JP2008245993A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a novel game property by notifying a lottery result of a winning combination by the order of partial display areas where symbols are stationarily displayed. <P>SOLUTION: A performance control part 202 determines the order for stationarily displaying symbols corresponding to the operations of stop switches relative to a plurality of partial display areas on a performance display device 40 based on the lottery result of a winning combination executed by a winning combination lottery part, and stationarily displays the symbols on the partial display areas in the determined order according to the operations of the stop switches. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine whose one purpose is to advance a game while showing an image displayed on an effect display device.

  Conventionally, a liquid crystal display device is arranged at a substantially central portion of a slot machine, and an effect image reel, which is an image representing an effect reel including a plurality of symbols, is displayed on the liquid crystal display device. There is known a slot machine intended to advance a game while showing it to a person (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The effect image reel displayed on the liquid crystal display device can express the behavior of the reel that deviates from the restriction range imposed on the game reel, unlike the game reel that displays the game result by the stop symbol. Therefore, a certain level of game play could be improved.

JP 2005-7089 A

  However, since the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device is a representation of the reel until it gets tired, there is no significant change in the substantial game play compared to the slot machine that advances the game while showing the game reel. . Therefore, there is room for further improvement in game play in a slot machine intended to advance a game while showing an image on a liquid crystal display device.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a new gameability by notifying a lottery result of a combination according to the order of partial display areas in which symbols are stopped and displayed.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a plurality of gaming reels for displaying a plurality of types of symbols and displaying the result of the game by a combination of symbols at the time of stop, and corresponding to the gaming reels, A stop switch for stopping the rotation of the gaming reel based on the operation, a winning lottery means for performing a winning lottery, and the gaming reel based on the winning lottery result performed by the winning lottery means Game reel stop control means for controlling stop of rotation of the game, an effect display device for displaying an image for the effect, and an effect control for changing and displaying the symbols in each of the plurality of partial display areas on the effect display device And the presentation control means stops the symbol corresponding to the operation of the stop switch for the plurality of partial display areas based on the lottery result of the combination performed by the combination lottery unit. And determines the order to be displayed, and wherein the stopping displaying the symbols on the partial display area in response to an operation of the stop switch in the determined order.

  As described above, in the present invention, the order in which symbols are stopped and displayed in response to the operation of the stop switch is determined for a plurality of partial display areas based on the lottery results of the combinations by the combination lottery means. . As described above, in the present invention, unlike the slot machine in which the corresponding effect image reels stop and display according to the operation sequence of the stop switch, the game machine side does not depend on the operation sequence of the stop switch. The symbols are stopped and displayed in a plurality of partial display areas. Therefore, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to notify the lottery result of the combination according to the order of the partial display areas where the symbols are stopped and displayed, and it is possible to provide a novel game.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the effect control means corresponds to the operation of the stop switch for each partial symbol display area obtained by dividing the symbol display area including the plurality of partial display areas by the number of the stop switches. The order in which the symbols are stopped and displayed is determined.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to notify the lottery result of the combination according to the stop display order of symbols for each partial symbol display area.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the effect control means changes the partial symbol display area based on the lottery result of the combination performed by the combination lottery unit.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the lottery result of the combination can be notified by the change of the partial symbol display area.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that a symbol combination line for notifying a player of a winning combination by a combination of symbols is set over the entire partial symbol display area.

  Since the symbol combination line is set as described above, the symbol combination on the symbol combination line is not fixed unless symbols are stopped and displayed in all the partial symbol display areas. Therefore, the player's interest can be maintained until the symbol stop display is performed in the last partial symbol display area.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the effect control means may be configured such that each of the parts is based on at least one of a winning lottery result performed by the winning lottery means and a symbol stopped state of the gaming reel. A feature is that the symbols are stopped and displayed in the display area.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to notify at least one of the winning lottery result and the gaming reel symbol stopped state by the symbols stopped and displayed in each partial display area.

  According to the present invention, a lottery result of a combination can be notified according to the order of partial display areas in which symbols are stopped and displayed, and novel game play can be provided.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, “game” refers to a series of operations from insertion of medals (game media) to winning processing through operation of a stop switch.

(Schematic configuration of slot machine)
As shown in FIG. 1, the housing of the slot machine 10 includes a base body 11 and a front panel 12 attached to the front surface of the base body 11. In FIG. 1, the detailed configuration of the base is omitted. A plurality of 3 × 5 partial display areas 51 a to o are assigned to the front portion of the front panel 12, and the symbols change and display independently of each other between these partial display areas 51 a to o. An effect display device 80 capable of displaying an image or the like expressing the state is provided. In addition, a gaming reel unit 30 is arranged inside the housing of the slot machine 10.

  The base 11 is formed in a box shape having an open front surface. Inside the base 11, a medal payout device including a power supply unit and a hopper for storing medals is provided at a lower portion.

On the other hand, the front panel 12 is attached to the base 11 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front surface of the base 11.
On the front side (player side) of the front panel 12 are an operation switch 40 including a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R, a bet switch 45, and a storage release switch 46, and a medal slot 43. In addition, a medal tray 44 and the like are arranged.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a display window 12 a is provided above the front panel 12. The gaming reel unit 30 is disposed on the back side of the front panel 12 behind the area where the display window 12a is formed.

(Operation switch)
In this embodiment, the start switch 41 is disposed at a position that can be operated by the player, and when the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are rotated, the symbols are displayed in rotation in the partial display areas 51a to 51o. It is operated at times.

  The stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R are switches that are operated by the player when the rotation of the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R is stopped or when the symbols are stopped and displayed in the partial display areas 51a to 51o. .

The bet switch 45 is a switch operated by the player when a game is started with a stored medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 or a stored medal paid out by winning.
The storage release switch 46 is a switch operated by the player when paying out the stored medals.

(Game reel unit)
The gaming reel unit 30 includes three ring-shaped gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R arranged in parallel. Further, stepping motors are connected to the rotation center portions of the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, respectively, and the rotation of the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R is controlled by driving control of the stepping motors. Also, a back lamp 33 for illuminating the three symbols from the back is fixed inside the inner periphery of each of the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R.

  In this way, a reel tape on which a plurality of types of symbols (such as symbols constituting a role) is printed is affixed to each of the gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R provided in the slot machine 10.

  In FIG. 1, the back lamp 33 fixed inside the inner periphery of each game reel 31L, 31C and 31R is indicated by a circle. Each of the symbols positioned in front of the back lamp 33 corresponds to a symbol that can be seen through the display window 12a.

In addition, an effective line is set in a portion including the display window 12 a by inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot 43 or by operating the bet switch 45.
Here, the “effective line” is a line that is a target of determination as to whether or not the combination of symbols corresponding to any combination is made when the gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped. When the combination of symbols corresponding to any combination is stopped on this active line, a profit corresponding to the combination is given. Here, the profit corresponding to the combination is a payout of medals. In the following description, an effective line for determining which combination of stop symbols of the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R corresponds to which combination is referred to as a game effective line. In this embodiment, the game effective line is set with a complicated line that is difficult for the player to grasp the combination of symbols. This is because a general player looks at the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R while watching the symbol display area 1000, which is a display area including a partial display area group located substantially in the center of the slot machine. It was made with the intention of preventing the game from progressing.

  In this embodiment, the number of medals (the number of wagers) inserted by the player in one game is uniformly set to three, and the game cannot be performed with one or two medals. . Therefore, three game effective lines are set only by inserting three medals. Note that the method for setting the game effective line is not limited to this. For example, as another embodiment, three game active lines may be set in the same manner by inserting one or two medals.

  The “invalid line” refers to a line that is not set as a game effective line and is not an object of a winning combination determination of a combination.

(Partial display area)
As described above, the effect display device 80 of the front panel 12 is provided with 3 × 5 partial display areas 51 a to o, and a total of 15 symbols in each of the partial display areas 51 a to o. Can be displayed.

  In addition, a symbol combination line L2 is provided for the partial display areas 51a to 51o. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a symbol combination line L2 set for the partial display area.

  Here, the “symbol combination line L2” is a line of symbols that are stopped and displayed in each of the partial display areas 51a to 51o, and is a line that forms a combination of symbols. As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, three lines 801 to 803 provided respectively in the middle, upper, and lower stages in the horizontal direction, and lines that connect the partial display area 51a and the partial display area 51m downwardly to the right. One line 805 composed of a combination of a line connecting the partial display area 51m and the partial display area 51e to the right, and a line connecting the partial display area 51k and the partial display area 51c to the right and the partial display area 51c A total of five lines are provided as a symbol combination line L2 including one line 804 formed by a combination of a line connecting the display area 51o and the partial display area 51o.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the vertical 3 × 5 horizontal partial display areas 51a to o are provided, the symbol combination line L2 is set to five. However, the symbol combination line L2 is not limited to five. For example, when four partial display areas × 4 horizontal display areas are provided, the number of symbol combination lines L2 in the horizontal direction is four. Furthermore, the number of symbol combination lines L2 by the combination of the right-down line and the right-up line from the left side of the drawing, and the number of symbol combination lines L2 by the combination of the right-up line and the right-down line from the left side of the drawing, respectively. There will be four. Therefore, a total of eight symbol combination lines L2 are formed.

Of the five symbol combination lines L2 shown in FIG. 8, a predetermined symbol combination line L2 is set as an effective line. As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of medals (the number of bets) inserted by the player in one game is uniformly set to three. That is, the game cannot be played when the number of inserted medals is one or two. And by inserting three medals, all (five) symbol combination lines L2 are set as effective lines.
However, it may be possible to play a game even when the number of inserted medals is one or two. In this case, an effective line and an invalid line are set from the plurality of symbol combination lines L2 in accordance with the number of inserted medals.

Here, the effective line of the symbol combination line L2 means that the winning combination or winning combination is notified to the player by the combination of symbols on the effective line when the symbols in the partial display areas 51a to 51o are stopped. It is a line for.
On the other hand, the invalid line of the symbol combination line L2 is, for example, a symbol combination line that is generated when the number of inserted medals is one or two and is not set as the effective line, and is a line that is not a target of symbol combination establishment. Say. In other words, even if a combination of symbols representing winning and winning of a winning combination is established on this invalid line, the winning or winning of the winning combination is not notified to the player.

  Further, when the number of valid lines for the symbol combination line L2 is changed according to the number of inserted medals, for example, the valid lines and invalid lines may be set as follows.

  First, when the number of inserted medals is one, the horizontal symbol combination line 801 is set as an effective line, and the remaining four symbol combination lines 802 to 805 are set as invalid lines. When the number of medals inserted is 2, the horizontal middle, upper and lower symbol combination lines 801 to 803 (three in total) are set as effective lines, and the other two symbol combination lines 804, 805 is set as an invalid line. Further, as in the present embodiment, when the number of inserted medals is 3, all the symbol combination lines 801 to 805 (5) are set as valid lines so that there are no invalid lines.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a notification example of the special prize winning in the symbol display area 1000. In the example of FIG. 9, a symbol combination for notifying the special combination winning is formed on the symbol combination line 804. Here, only the symbols of the partial display area related to the notification of the special prize winning are shown, but actually, the symbols are also stopped and displayed in the partial display area not related to the notification of the special bonus winning.

(Relationship between game reel and partial display area)
Next, the relationship between the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R and the symbols displayed in the partial display areas 51a to o will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the partial display areas 51a to 51o are arranged at positions where ordinary game reels are arranged in a general slot machine. In addition, game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are arranged in an upper portion of the slot machine in which an effect display device such as a liquid crystal display device is arranged in a general slot machine.

  In the partial display areas 51a to o of the present embodiment, an effect is provided by a symbol rotation display and a symbol stop display. Further, each of the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R of the game reel unit 30 performs the same function as a reel provided in a general slot machine, and each of the game reels 31L, 31C when stopped. And the result of the game is displayed by a combination of symbols of 31R.

  The game reels 31L, 31C and 31R of the present embodiment are formed smaller than the scale of the symbol display area 1000 (see FIG. 1) including the partial display areas 51a to 51o.

  In a general slot machine, the display area of the effect display device is usually smaller than the display area of the symbol on the reel displaying the game result. This is because the result of the game in the slot machine is determined by the combination of symbols when the reels corresponding to the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R of the present embodiment are stopped, and the display contents of the effect display device It is because it is not determined by. In other words, the effect display device determines the possibility that a winning combination will be won until the game result is determined (at least one reel is rotating) or after the game result is determined (after all reels are stopped). This is because it is a device for informing whether there is a degree, etc., and is a device having an auxiliary role in the progress of the game.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the size relationship between the symbol display area 1000 including the partial display areas 51a to 51o and the effect image reels 51L, 51C, and 51R is set as described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the front side, the effect image reels 51L, 51C and 51R are displayed on the upper part of the operation switch 40, and for the game side on the side away from the operation switch 40 from the symbol display area 1000. A reel unit 30 is arranged.
In other words, when viewed from the front side, a symbol display area 1000 is provided between the gaming reel unit 30 and the operation switch 40 for displaying the symbols while changing the symbols.

  With such a configuration, when viewed from the front side, it is most easily seen at the approximate center of the slot machine 10, that is, when the player is playing a game, and is more visible than the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. In a position where it is easy to enter, it is possible to notify the winning of a combination, winning, etc. Thereby, it is possible to advance the game mainly in the production while maintaining the progress of the game while watching the stop state of the game reel.

(General operation of slot machine during normal game)
Next, a normal game in the slot machine 10 will be described.
In a normal game, when a player inserts three medals from the medal insertion slot 43 or operates the bet switch 45, all lines of the symbol combination line L2 are set as effective lines, and an effective line for gaming L1 is also set. Thereafter, when the player operates the start switch 41, the gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R all start to rotate.

  Subsequently, when the player operates the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R, the symbol display area 1000 is determined for the partial symbol display area divided by the number of stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (here, three). The symbols in the partial display area belonging to the partial symbol display area are stopped and displayed in the order in which symbols are stopped and displayed in response to the operation of the stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R. Here, the order in which symbols are displayed in response to the operation of the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R determined for each partial symbol display area does not depend on the operation order of the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R. Absent. For example, when the stop switch is operated in the order of 42L, 42C, and 42R by the player, and when the stop switch is operated in the order of 42R, 42C, and 42L, it is determined for each partial symbol display area. The order in which the symbols are stopped and displayed does not change.

  When all of the stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R are operated and all of the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped, the combination of the symbols of the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R aligned on the active line is When the combination of symbols of some predetermined combination matches, a prize is awarded, and medals are paid out or replayed according to the winning combination.

  Here, in this embodiment, when the start switch 41 is operated after three medals are inserted or the bet switch 35 is operated, in principle, together with the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R. The symbols in all the partial display areas 51a to 51o start to rotate. Thereafter, when each of the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R is operated, the rotation of the gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R corresponding to the operated stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R is stopped, and the corresponding stop display sequence is performed. The symbols in the partial display area belonging to the determined partial symbol display area are stopped and displayed.

  The movements of the effect image reels 51L, 51C, and 51R are not necessarily linked to the corresponding game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, but are arbitrary according to various effects.

  Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, a main control board 50, a sub control board 60, a reel board 11, a central display board 12, and a power supply board 13 connected to the main control board 50 are arranged.

(Main control board 50)
The main control board 50 is provided with a main CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 54, which are connected to each other via a bus 55.

  The main CPU 51 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. The main CPU 51 reads out programs, data, and the like stored in the ROM 52, and controls the entire slot machine 10 based on these.

  The ROM 52 stores programs and data required for processing performed by the main CPU 51 shown in FIGS. 6-1 to 6-3, which will be described later, and other game controls. The RAM 53 is used when the main CPU 51 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 54 transmits and receives signals performed between the main control board 50, the sub control board 60, the reel board 11, the central display board 12, and the power supply board 13. However, transmission of signals from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60 is performed between the main control board 50 and the sub control board 60, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50 is not performed. Not done.

(Sub control board 60)
The sub control board 60 is provided with a sub CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, image control processor 64, image data ROM 65, video RAM 66, tone generator circuit 67, amplifier 68 and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 69. The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, control RAM 63, image control processor 64, tone generator circuit 67 and I / F circuit 69 are connected to each other via a bus 70. The image data ROM 65 and the video RAM 66 are connected to an image control processor 64, and the amplifier 68 is connected to a sound source circuit 67. The effect lamp 72 is connected to the sub CPU 61 via the bus 70.

  The sub CPU 61 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 61 reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 62, and controls the sub control board 60 as a whole, particularly controls the effects for the player. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability or development language of the sub CPU 61.

  The ROM 62 stores programs, data, and the like necessary for processing performed by the sub CPU 61 shown in FIG. 7 to be described later and other effects during the game. The RAM 63 is used when the sub CPU 61 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, and RAM 63 have the same functions as the main CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 provided on the main control board 50, respectively. The ROM 62 and the RAM 63 may be the same as the ROM 52 and the RAM 53, respectively, but those having a capacity larger than these may be used.

  The effect display device 80 described above is connected to the image control processor 64. The image data ROM 65 stores a plurality of types of image data such as characters, characters, and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 80. The video RAM 66 is used when the image control processor 64 creates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 80, and image data to be displayed is developed in the video RAM 66 based on data read from the image data ROM 65. .

  In addition, in this embodiment, a speaker 71, the above-described back lamp, and the like are provided in addition to the effect display device 80 as effect peripheral devices. The speaker 71 is connected to the amplifier 68. These performance peripheral devices are peripheral devices that are not directly related to the game, and output the effects during the game (such as a notification effect of the possibility of winning the role), and are connected only to the sub-control board 60. And is not connected to the main control board 50.

The I / F circuit 69 performs timing control and the like when receiving a signal from the main control board 50. As described above, the signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60, but the signal is not transmitted from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50.
That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

(Reel board 11)
A stepping motor (not shown) for driving the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R is connected to the reel substrate 11. Control of the operations of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R is performed by the main CPU 51 through the reel substrate 11. Sensors are installed at predetermined positions corresponding to the left reel 31L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R, respectively, and these sensors detect passage of the reference position of the reel. When the passage of the reference position is detected, a detection signal is output from the sensor and input to the main CPU 51 via the reel board 11. Further, the number of steps of the stepping motor is also input to the main CPU 51 through the reel substrate 11.

(Central display board 12)
The central display board 12 is attached to the central part on the back side of the front panel 12, for example. The central display board 12 includes a credit number display section (not shown), a selector 81, a bet switch 45, a start switch (lever) 41, a left stop switch 42L, a middle stop switch 42C, a right stop switch 42R, a setting display section 82, and A setting change switch 83 is connected.

  The selector 81 identifies whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 is legitimate, and eliminates an illegal medal. The setting display unit 82 is disposed so as to be visible from the back side of the front panel 12, and displays settings relating to probability and payout (for example, settings 1 to 6). The setting change switch 83 is a switch operated when changing the setting related to the probability and the payout.

(Power supply board 13)
A setting change enabling switch 91, a power switch 92, a hopper device 93, and a power device 94 are connected to the power device board 13. The setting change enable switch 91 is a switch that is operated when a setting change using the setting change switch 83 is enabled. That is, the setting change using the setting change switch 83 can be performed only when the setting change enable switch 91 is in the ON state. The power switch 92 is a switch for switching on / off the power supply device 94. The hopper device 93 is a device for storing and paying out medals, and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the stored medals to the player based on an instruction from the main CPU 51 via the power supply device board 13. .

  Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 50 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main control board 50. In the present embodiment, the following units 101, 102, 106, 107, 108, and 110 are configured from programs of the main CPU 51 and ROM 52, for example, and the storage unit 103 described later is provided in the RAM 53, for example. Data such as a role lottery table 121 described later is stored.

(Role drawing part 101)
The role lottery unit 101 draws a role (special role, small role, replay, etc.) in accordance with timing control by a game progress control unit 102 described later. Here, the special role is a role for shifting to a special game that is different from the normal game and is advantageous to the player. When the special combination is won in the lottery of the combination in the normal game and the combination of the symbols of the combination according to the combination stops on the game effective line, that is, on the condition that the special combination is won, the game is shifted from the normal game to the special game. The special game is a game that has a larger expected medal number than the normal game and is advantageous to the player. Here, the special game includes, for example, a BB (big bonus) game and an RB (regular bonus) game.

  In the present embodiment, for example, when three “red 7” s stop on the game active line, a big bonus is awarded and the game proceeds to the BB game. The BB game satisfies a predetermined end condition. Until it is done. Although details of the special game (BB game) end condition will be described later, in this embodiment, the JAC game (bonus game) is repeated, and the total payout number of medals (total payout number) in this special game (BB game). ) Reaches the end number (end number) of a predetermined range, for example, 465, and the special game (BB game) is controlled to end.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for example, when three “black BARs” are stopped on the game active line, a regular bonus is awarded and the game proceeds to the RB game. This RB game ends when 12 consecutive JAC games are played, or when a total of 8 wins are made in the JAC game, and the game shifts to a normal game. Thus, in the present embodiment, the RB game defines the number of games as an end condition, whereas the BB game defines the payout number as an end condition.

  Note that the small combination is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals to the player, and for example, a plurality of types are provided. Replay is a role that gives a player the right to replay while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the previous game.

  The combination lottery unit 101 obtains one random number after generating a random number internally for each game, and based on the area to which the acquired random number belongs in the combination lottery table 121 stored in the ROM 52. Judge the presence of winning and the winning combination.

  The role lottery unit 101 generates random numbers in a predetermined area (decimal 0 to 65535), for example, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the start switch 41 is operated, Get the numeric value. In the role lottery table, as shown in FIG. 5, the BB winning area, the RB winning area, the small role winning area, the replay (RP) winning area, and the non-winning are shown in FIG. A (losing) area or the like is set at a predetermined rate. That is, in the combination lottery table 121, the relationship between the random number value and each combination is determined. For example, a random value (a + α) from the random value (a) is assigned to the BB winning area, and the next random number From the numerical value (a + α + 1), another random number value (a + α + 1 + β) is assigned to the RB winning area, and the random value is similarly assigned to the small role winning area. Then, the winning combination in the area including the random value acquired by the winning lottery unit 101 becomes the winning winning combination as a result of the winning lottery. In the present embodiment, among the combinations shown in FIG. 5, BB and RB correspond to special roles, and cherry, watermelon, and bell correspond to small roles. In addition to the example shown in FIG. 5, a role lottery table (not shown) used in special games is provided.

  Then, the part lottery unit 101 selects the part lottery table 121 to be used, determines the area to which the random number value belongs by comparing the acquired random number value with the selected part lottery table 121, and the area to which the random number value belongs. The role corresponding to is determined. For example, when the extracted random number value belongs to the special combination winning area, it is determined that the special combination is won, and when it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be lost. If any combination is won, the flag for the combination is turned on.

  Also, the combination lottery unit 101 transmits information indicating the lottery result, for example, winning combination information that is information indicating which combination is won, gaming state information indicating the current gaming state, and the like to the sub-control board 60 every game. To do.

(Game progress control unit 102)
The game progress control unit 102 controls the operation timing of the combination lottery unit 101, a reel control unit 106 and a winning determination unit 107, which will be described later. For example, the game progress control unit 102 makes the combination lottery unit 101 perform lottery on the condition that the start switch 41 is operated, and causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the gaming reel group 31. In addition, the reel control unit 106 is controlled to stop the gaming reel group 31 on condition that the stop switch group 42 is operated, and further, on the condition that the gaming reel group 31 is stopped, the winning determination unit 107 makes a winning determination. The operation of the game progress control unit 102 is not limited to these.

(Flag information storage unit 103)
The flag information storage unit 103 stores the type of the winning combination and the fact that the flag is turned on when a flag for any combination is turned on by the combination lottery unit 101. As will be described later, the timing at which the information stored in the flag information storage unit 103 is deleted (the timing at which the winning flag is turned off) differs between the special combination and other combinations. That is, in the case of a special role, the information stored in the flag information storage unit 103 is erased on the condition that the special game has started, and if the special game has not started, it is carried over until the next game. In the case of other combinations, regardless of whether or not the winning combination has been won, they will be deleted at the end of the game and will not be carried over to the next game.

(Reel control unit 106)
The reel control unit 106 controls the start and stop of the rotation of the game reel group 31 (game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R) in accordance with the timing control by the game progress control unit 102. More specifically, the reel control unit 106 includes a gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state, a special gaming state, etc.), a result of lottery by the combination lottery unit 101, and a stop switch group 42 (stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R). The game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped based on the operation timing, and the stepping motor drive is controlled to rotate the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R at the determined position. Stop.

  In particular, if a special role is won in the game, or if the special role has been carried over from the previous game and has not been won for a small role or replay in the game, In the range of the stop control of the gaming reels 31L, 31C and 31R (for example, within 5 symbols including the symbol from the symbol when the stop switch is operated) Pull-in control is performed so that special symbols are aligned as long as possible. In addition, when the winning of special role is carried over, when winning a small role or replay, depending on the reel control at that time, the combination of symbols of the special role stops on the game active line, It does not stop. Furthermore, the control for stopping the gaming reels 31L, 31C and 31R may be performed using a reel control table.

(Winning determination unit 107)
In accordance with the timing control by the game progress control unit 102, the winning determination unit 107 determines whether or not a combination of symbols of symbols is arranged on any of the game effective lines. It is determined that he won the role. At this time, the winning determination unit 107 determines, for example, a symbol positioned on the game effective line by detecting an angle or the number of steps when the stepping motor is stopped. In addition to the determination, information on the determination result (winning combination information) and the like are transmitted to the sub-control board 60.

  When the reel control table is used for the control when stopping the gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, the winning determination unit 107 is set after the gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are actually stopped. Rather than determining the combination of symbols, the reel control unit 106 determines the combination of symbols to be stopped on the game effective line when the stop position of the gaming reel group 31 is determined using the reel control table. You may make it do.

(Special game control unit 108)
The special game control unit 108 controls the special game when the winning determination unit 107 determines that a special role has been won. For example, the special game control unit 108 causes the reel control unit 106 to perform reel control for special games according to the lottery result of the role lottery unit 101 during the special game, or causes the sub control board 60 to perform special game effects. Or let it be done. In particular, if the result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107 is that the player has won BB, the special game (BB) is used until the total number of medals to be paid out when winning the winning combination from the next game reaches a predetermined end number. Game). For example, as a control of this special game, the reel control unit 106 is caused to perform a reel control for a special game (BB game). In the special game (BB game), as described above, a lottery table (not shown) different from the role lottery table 121 is used, and the change of the lottery table is also based on an instruction from the special game control unit 108. Done.

  Further, if the result of determination by the winning determination unit 107 is that the RB has been won, the special game control unit 108 controls the special game (RB game) until the predetermined number of games is reached from the next game. Do. Even in this case, in accordance with an instruction from the special game control unit 108, the above-mentioned combination lottery table 121 is changed to a special game (RB game) lottery table (not shown), and the reel control unit 106 is controlled. .

(Payout control unit 110)
As a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107, the payout control unit 110 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out medals according to the winning combination, or updates the display of the credit number information in the credit number display unit. . The payout control unit 110 includes a payout number counter 111. When the winning combination is BB, the payout number counter 111 counts the payout number of medals in the BB game and obtains the total number. Then, when the total payout number reaches the end number within a predetermined range, for example, 465, the payout control unit 110 notifies the special game control unit 108 to that effect and ends the special game. The information on the total payout number of medals obtained by the payout number counter 111 is deleted when the total payout number reaches a predetermined end number and a series of special games (BB game) is finished. Reset.

  Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 60 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sub-control board 60. In the present embodiment, for example, the following units (functional blocks) are configured from the programs of the sub CPU 61 and the ROM 62, for example.

(Production pattern selection unit 201)
The effect pattern selection unit 201 performs an effect pattern performed between the time when the start switch 41 is operated and the time when the third stop switch is operated until all the game reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped. When the stop switch is operated and all the gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, an effect pattern performed according to winning combination information transmitted from the main control board 50, an effect pattern performed when the bet switch 45 is operated, etc. Select accordingly.

(Production control unit 202)
The effect control unit 202 controls the effect based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201. Then, based on control by the effect control unit 202, the image control processor 64 creates image data to be displayed on the effect display device 80, and after the sound signal generated by the sound source circuit 67 is amplified by the amplifier 68, Output from the speaker 71.

  The main control board 50 and the sub control board 60 may be provided with functions other than these functions.

  Next, the operation of the slot machine according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C are flowcharts illustrating control by the main control board 50. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control by the sub-control board 60.

  First, the flow of games controlled by the main control board 50 will be described. In FIG. 6A, the game progress control unit 102 monitors the insertion of medals, and when there is a medal insertion from the medal insertion slot 43 or when there is a credit, the bet switch 45 is operated. It is determined that medals have been inserted (step S1), and the number of medals inserted is determined (step S2). If the number of inserted medals is less than one, it is determined again in step S1 whether or not medals have been inserted (step S3).

  When the number of inserted medals is not less than one, that is, when one or more medals are inserted or when the bet switch 45 is operated, the game progresses when the start switch 41 is operated by the player. The control unit 102 detects that the start switch 41 is turned on (step S4), and transmits an operation signal for the start switch 41 to the sub-control board 60 (step S29). Next, in the game progress control unit 102, the combination lottery unit 101 acquires a random number (step S5). Note that the game progress control unit 102 repeats the processing from step S1 to step S4 until the start switch 41 is operated.

  Next, after selecting a combination lottery table based on the gaming state, the combination lottery unit 101 compares the acquired random number with the selected combination lottery table and performs a combination lottery process (step S6). If, as a result of the lottery in step S6, there is any winning combination, the flag of the winning combination is turned on, and this is stored in the flag information storage unit 103 (step S7). Further, the game progress control unit 102 transmits information on the winning combination (winning combination information) and the like to the sub-control board 60 as a result of the lottery performed by the combination lottery unit 101 (step S8).

  Then, after these processes by the combination lottery unit 101 are completed, the game progress control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R as shown in FIG. S10).

  Thereafter, when any one of the stop switch groups 42 (first stop switch) is operated (step S11), the reel control unit 106 transmits an operation signal for the first stop switch to the sub-control board 60. (Step S30). Next, the reel control unit 106 performs reel control so that the winning combination can be won, and stops the rotation of the gaming reel corresponding to the operated stop switch (step S12). If the first stop switch has not been operated yet, the determination process of step S11 is repeated until the first stop switch is operated.

  Subsequently, the reel control unit 106 displays stop symbol information indicating a stop symbol of the game reel corresponding to the first stop switch (a symbol that is stopped through the display window 12a and is visible to the player) to the sub-control board 60. (Step S31).

  Thereafter, when another one (second stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 is operated (step S13), an operation signal of the second stop switch is transmitted to the sub-control board 60 (step S32). Next, the reel control unit 106 performs reel control so that the winning combination can be won, and stops the rotation of the gaming reel corresponding to the operated stop switch (step S14). If the second stop switch has not been operated yet, the determination process of step S13 is repeated until the second stop switch is operated.

  Subsequently, the reel control unit 106 displays stop symbol information indicating a stop symbol of the game reel corresponding to the second stop switch (a symbol that can be viewed through the display window 12a and visible to the player) to the sub-control board 60. (Step S33).

  Thereafter, when the remaining one (third stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 is operated (step S15), an operation signal for the third stop switch is transmitted to the sub-control board 60 (step S34). Next, the reel control unit 106 performs reel control to win the winning combination, and stops the rotation of the gaming reel corresponding to the operated stop switch (step S16). If the third stop switch has not been operated yet, the determination process of step S15 is repeated until the third stop switch is operated.

  Subsequently, the reel control unit 106 displays stop symbol information indicating a stop symbol of the game reel corresponding to the third stop switch (a symbol that is stopped by the display window 12a and is visible to the player) to the sub-control board 60. (Step S35).

  In Steps S12, S14, and S16, if the symbol necessary for winning the winning combination is not in a position where it can be drawn, the reel control unit 106 uses the stop control information for controlling the stop of the reel, The kicking control of the pattern that causes a loss is performed.

  Further, when the special role flag is set, a notification lamp (not shown) may be flashed violently in parallel with the reel control. In addition, when the special combination flag is set, a part of the combination of symbols for winning the other special combination is arranged on the game effective line until the two reels are stopped, and the remaining one The player may be informed that the special combination flag is raised by controlling the kicking of the symbol so that the other special combination is not won when the reel is stopped.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6-3, after the reel control unit 106 stops the rotation of all the gaming reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, a prize is awarded based on the combination of symbols arranged on the gaming effective line. The determination unit 107 determines whether or not there is a winning (Step S17). As a result, if there is no winning combination, the winning determination unit 107 transmits a signal indicating that to the sub-control board 60 (step S18). On the other hand, if there is any winning, the winning determination unit 107 transmits information on winning combination (winning combination information) to the sub-control board 60 (step S19).

  When the winning combination is a special combination, the game shifts to a special game (steps S20 and S21). Special games include a BB game and an RB game. For example, when winning a BB game, a JAC game is repeatedly performed as a BB game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied from the next game. Although not shown in the figure, when the RB is won, the special game (RB game) ends when the JAC game is executed continuously for 12 games or when there are a total of 8 wins in the JAC game, Transition to general games. Thus, in the RB game, the special game (RB game) is executed from the game after the transition to the RB game until the predetermined number of games is finished.

  If the winning combination is not a special combination and the flag indicating that the special combination is won is set, the special combination flag is carried over to the next game (steps S20 and S24). That is, the storage state of the flag information storage unit 103 is maintained.

  When the winning combination is replay, the winning determination unit 107 causes the game progress control unit 102 to carry over the bet number (the number of bets) in the game to the next game (steps S25 and S26). On the other hand, when the winning combination is neither a special combination nor a replay, the payout control unit 110 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination (steps S25 and S27). Thereafter, the type of winning combination stored in the flag information storage unit 103 and the information that the flag is turned on are deleted (step S28). However, the information that the special role flag is set is retained without being deleted.

  Next, the operation of the sub control board 60 will be described. In FIG. 7, the effect control unit 202 determines whether or not an operation signal for the start switch 41 has been received from the main control board 50 (step S101). When the operation signal of the start switch 41 is received, the symbols of all the partial display areas 51a to 51o are rotated and displayed (step S102).

  Next, the effect control unit 202 determines the shape of the symbol display area 1000 to form the partial symbol display area based on the winning combination information received from the main control board 50, and the stop switch 42L. , 42C and 42R, the order of partial symbol display areas (partial display area groups) to be stopped and displayed is determined (step S103). That is, the order of the partial symbol display areas to be stopped and displayed is determined in response to an effective operation performed on any of the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R.

  Next, the effect control unit 202 determines whether or not the operation signal of the first stop switch and the stop symbol information of the game reel corresponding to the first stop switch have been received (step S104). When receiving the operation signal of the first stop switch and the stop symbol information of the gaming reel corresponding to the first stop switch, the effect control unit 202 first displays the partial symbol display area (1) to stop and display based on the information. The symbols of the partial display area belonging to the first partial symbol display area) are stopped and displayed (step S105).

  Next, the effect control unit 202 determines whether or not the operation signal of the second stop switch and the stop symbol information of the game reel corresponding to the second stop switch have been received (step S106). When the operation signal of the second stop switch and the game reel corresponding to the second stop switch are received, the effect control unit 202 performs the second symbol display area (second partial symbol) to be stopped and displayed based on the information. The symbols of the partial display area belonging to (display area) are stopped and displayed (step S107).

  Next, the effect control unit 202 determines whether or not the operation signal of the third stop switch and the stop symbol information of the game reel corresponding to the third stop switch have been received (step S108). When receiving the operation signal of the third stop switch and the stop symbol information of the game reel corresponding to the third stop switch, the effect control unit 202 performs the third stop display area to stop and display based on the information. The symbols in the partial display area belonging to (third partial symbol display area) are stopped and displayed (step S109).

  10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a specific example of a method for determining the order of the partial symbol display areas to be stopped and displayed in response to the operation of the stop switch.

  10A, the partial symbol display area 1001a to which the partial display areas 51a, 51b, and 51f belong, the partial symbol display area 1001b to which the partial display areas 51c, 51d, 51g, 51h, 51k, and 51l belong, and the partial display area 51e. , 51i, 51j, 51m, 51n, 51o, the case where it is determined to divide the symbol display area 1000 into the partial symbol display area 1001c to which the symbol belongs. Further, in FIG. 10A, the symbols in the partial display area in the partial symbol display area 1001a are displayed in accordance with the operation of the first stop switch as the order in which the symbols are stopped and displayed in response to the operation of the stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R. Is stopped, the symbols in the partial display area 1001b are stopped in response to the operation of the second stop switch, and the partial display areas in the partial symbol display area 1001c are in response to the operation of the third stop switch. This indicates that it has been decided to stop and display the symbols.

  10-2, the partial symbol display area 1002a to which the partial display areas 51a, 51b, 51f, 51g, 51k, and 51l belong, the partial symbol display area 1002b to which the partial display areas 51c, 51h, and 51m belong, and the partial display area 51d. , 51e, 51i, 51j, 51n, 51o, the case where it is decided to divide the symbol display area 1000 into the partial symbol display area 1002c to which it belongs. Also, in FIG. 10-2, the symbols in the partial display area in the partial symbol display area 1002a are displayed according to the operation of the first stop switch as the order in which the symbols are stopped and displayed in response to the operation of the stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R. Is stopped, the symbols in the partial symbol display area 1002c are stopped in response to the operation of the second stop switch, and the partial display areas in the partial symbol display area 1002b are in response to the operation of the third stop switch. This indicates that it has been decided to stop and display the symbols.

  The symbol stop display method shown in FIG. 10-1 is, for example, a stop display method that appears with high probability when a small role is won in a normal game, and the symbol stop display method shown in FIG. For example, a stop display method that appears with a high probability when a special role is won. Thus, in this embodiment, the frequency of occurrence of each symbol stop display method is varied according to the winning combination at the time of the game.

  In the present embodiment, the symbol display area is divided to form the partial symbol display area so that the entire symbol combination line L2 extends over the entire partial symbol display area. By doing in this way, the combination of the stop symbol on all the symbol combination lines L2 is not decided until the symbol in the 3rd partial symbol display area stops displaying. Therefore, the player can play a game with a sense of expectation for the stop display result of the symbols in the third partial symbol display area.

  In the above-described embodiment, the symbol corresponding to the operation of the stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R is performed on the partial symbol display area including one or a plurality of partial display areas based on the lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery unit 101. The order in which to stop display is determined. Thus, unlike the conventional slot machine in which the corresponding effect image reels stop and display according to the operation sequence of the stop switch, the slot machine 10 side does not depend on the operation sequence of the stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R. The symbols are stopped and displayed in the partial symbol display area in the order determined in. Therefore, it becomes possible to notify the lottery result of the combination according to the order of the partial symbol display area (partial display area) where the symbols are stopped and displayed, and it is possible to provide a new game.

  In the embodiment described above, since the shape of the partial symbol display area is changed based on the lottery result of the combination performed by the combination lottery unit 101, the change of the shape of the partial symbol display area is performed. The lottery result can be notified.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a symbol combination line for notifying a player of a winning combination is set by a combination of symbols over a plurality of partial symbol display areas. Therefore, unless symbols are stopped and displayed in the partial symbol display area in the final order, the symbol combinations on all symbol combination lines are not fixed. Therefore, the player's interest can be maintained until the symbol stop display is performed in the last partial symbol display area.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the symbols are stopped and displayed in each partial display area based on the lottery result of the combination performed by the combination lottery unit 101 and the symbol stop state of the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. I have to. Therefore, the symbol lottery result and the stop state of the game reel symbol can be notified by the symbols that are stopped and displayed in each partial display area.

  In the above-described embodiment, the symbols are stopped and displayed in each partial display area based on both the lottery result of the combination and the symbols stopped state of the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. There is no need to be based on both. For example, the symbols may be stopped and displayed in each partial display area based on one of the lottery result of the combination and the symbol stopped state of the game reels 31L, 31C, and 31R.

  Furthermore, the embodiment of the present invention can be realized by a computer executing a program. Examples of means for supplying the program to the computer include a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded and a transmission medium such as the Internet for transmitting the program.

It is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of a main control board. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a sub control board. It is a figure which shows notionally the structure of a role lottery table. It is a flowchart which shows the control by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the control by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the control by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the control by a sub control board | substrate. It is a figure which shows the symbol combination line set with respect to a partial display area. It is a figure which shows the example of alerting | reporting of the special prize winning in a symbol display area. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the determination method of the order of the partial symbol display area made to stop-display corresponding to operation of a stop switch. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the determination method of the order of the partial symbol display area made to stop-display corresponding to operation of a stop switch.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Main control board 60 Sub control board 101 Role lottery part 102 Game progress control part 103 Flag information storage part 106 Reel control part 107 Winning determination part 108 Special game control part 110 Payout control part 111 Payout number counter 121 Role lottery table 201 Effect pattern Selection unit 202 Production control unit

Claims (5)

A plurality of gaming reels for displaying a plurality of types of symbols and displaying a game result by a combination of symbols at the time of stopping;
A stop switch provided corresponding to the gaming reel, for stopping the rotation of the gaming reel based on a player's operation;
A role lottery means for drawing a role;
A gaming reel stop control means for controlling stop of rotation of the gaming reel based on a result of lottery performed by the winning lottery means;
An effect display device for displaying an image for effect;
Effect control means for changing and displaying the design in each of the plurality of partial display areas on the effect display device;
The production control means determines the order in which symbols are stopped and displayed for the plurality of partial display areas in response to the operation of the stop switch based on the lottery result of the combination performed by the combination lottery means. A gaming machine that displays symbols in the partial display area in accordance with the operation of the stop switch in the determined order.   The production control means has an order for stopping and displaying symbols corresponding to the operation of the stop switch for each partial symbol display region obtained by dividing the symbol display region including the plurality of partial display regions by the number of the stop switches. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is determined.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the effect control means changes the partial symbol display area based on a lottery result of the combination performed by the combination lottery unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a symbol combination line for notifying a player of a winning combination by a combination of symbols is set over the partial symbol display area. .   The effect control means stops and displays the symbols in the partial display areas based on at least one of the symbol lottery result performed by the symbol lottery means and the symbol stop state of the game reel. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:

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