JP3080206B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce computation time by shifting to the next inquiry without referring to a combination of symbols, when a prize-winning line is other than that which is determined by prescribed data, at the time of referring to a prize- winning symbol combination table at every validated prize-winning line. CONSTITUTION:In a slot machine, in observation windows 5-7 on which symbols of three pieces of reels 2-4 in which many pieces of symbols are arrayed in the outside periphery appear three pieces each, three pieces of horizontal prize- winning lines L1, L2A and L2B and two pieces of oblique prize-winning lines L3A, L3B are provided. In this case, when a movement of a symbol train is subjected to stop control by operating a stop control means, a prize-winning symbol combination table is referred to. Subsequently, prescribed data for showing whether prize-winning is valid on all lines of plural prize-winning lines, or prize-winning is valid on the prize-winning lines of a part thereof is referred to, and in the case the prize-winning line of a reference object is other than that which is determined by prescribed data, the inquiry is shifted to the inquiry of the next prescribed data without referring to the combination of its symbols.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine for controlling movement and stop of symbols using a microcomputer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-72313, there is known a slot machine as a gaming machine in which a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like controls a symbol stop. Have been. In a reel-type slot machine, a reel on which symbols are arranged on the outer periphery is driven by a stepping motor, and the driving of the stepping motor is controlled by a microcomputer. In a video type slot machine, a symbol ROM storing graphic data of a symbol pattern according to a fixed arrangement order is used.
The data of the symbol pattern to be displayed on the RT is read. In any case, in these slot machines, the movement of a plurality of symbol arrays is controlled to be stopped by a microcomputer.

In a slot machine using a microcomputer, the payout rate can be maintained at an appropriate value by using a random number generator and a winning probability table, as described in the above publication. That is,
Each time the game is started, one random number is sampled from the random number generator, and the numerical value of the random number is compared with the winning probability table. The winning probability table stores data obtained by grouping numerical values generated by the random number generator into large hits, medium hits, small hits, and loses according to their sizes, and the sampled random numbers belong to any group. Is determined.

As a result of the determination, if the sampled random number is a numerical value belonging to a big hit, a request signal for a big hit is generated. When a big hit request signal is generated, in the reel type, the microcomputer controls the reel stop so that a combination of symbols that makes a big hit is obtained in the reel display window. According to this,
Since various hits are generated with the probability according to the data setting of the winning probability table, the total hits within a business period of one day are not greatly influenced by the skill of the player. The payout rate can be kept almost constant. It should be noted that those using a display device such as a video type, LED, liquid crystal or the like have the same basic control only by using a CRT or a display device and a symbol ROM instead of a reel.

Generally, three symbols are displayed per reel on the display window of a slot machine, and a total of nine symbols are displayed in a three-reel system. A plurality of winning lines (for example, three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines) are prepared in this display window, and the number of activated lines is determined according to the number of coins inserted at the start of the game. . Therefore, when all of these winning lines are activated, when performing the reel stop control, all of these winning lines are checked, and no winning other than the type determined by the request signal occurs. It is necessary to perform such processing.

For example, in a three-reel type slot machine in which 21 symbols are arranged per reel, for the first reel, a predetermined symbol corresponding to the type of the request signal is stopped on any one of the winning lines. The control may be performed. At the time of the stop control of the second reel, not only the processing of stopping the same kind of symbol on the same pay line as the predetermined symbol of the first reel is stopped, but also other processing is performed. It is necessary to check what kind of symbol combination will occur on the winning line. For this reason, assuming 21 stop positions for the second reel, the first stop is set for each of the winning lines for each stop position.
The combination with the reel symbol is checked. At the time of this check processing, a winning symbol combination table in which data such as a winning symbol combination and a winning type, the number of coins paid out, and the like are written is referred to. Then, it is determined what kind of winning combination is made up of the combination of symbols for each winning line, and is saved in the RAM together with a flag indicating the type of winning.

After performing the above-described check processing, the second reel is stopped so that the combination elements of the symbols satisfying the request signal are arranged on any one of the winning lines. After stopping the second reel, similarly, assuming 21 stop positions for the third reel, it is checked what kind of combination of symbols is finally formed on all the winning lines. Then, the third reel is stopped so that a winning symbol combination corresponding to the type of the request signal is obtained on any one of the winning lines, and furthermore, a losing symbol combination is arranged on the other winning lines. You.

On the other hand, a recent slot machine using a microcomputer as described above shifts from a normal game mode to a big bonus game mode when a big hit is obtained, and a large amount of coins are paid out during the game during that time. Many have functions that can be used.
In such a slot machine, whether or not a big hit is obtained is of great interest to the player. Therefore, when a big hit request signal is generated, it is very effective to suggest to the player that the big hit request signal has been generated to enhance the interest.

In order to notify the player that a request signal of a big hit has been generated, a separate lamp or the like can be used, but it is necessary to use the symbol display of the slot machine itself to reduce the number of parts. This is also advantageous in reducing the number of symbols and attracting the player's interest in displaying symbols. For example, when “7-7-7” is a symbol combination of a big hit, “7-7-α” (“α” is a specific symbol other than “7”) is displayed on the activated pay line. Displaying a symbol in such a combination (referred to as a “reach eye”) is suitable for representing a state in which a big hit is close.

As described above, in order to display so-called reach symbols when a request signal of a big hit is generated, combinations of reach symbols are also prepared in the winning symbol combination table. In advance,
When the reel stop control is performed, the combination of the reach symbols must also be checked to prevent the reach eye from appearing when no request signal for a big hit is generated.

[0011]

However, as described above, during the stop control of the second reel and the third reel, a combination of symbols saved in the RAM corresponding to the expected stop position of each reel is awarded. Since all the data in the symbol combination table are checked for checking, there is a problem that the calculation time tends to be long. Particularly, in a slot machine called a pachislot, since the time from operating the stop button for stopping the reel to stopping the reel is limited to a predetermined time,
As described above, when the number of combinations of the “reach eye” symbols is increased in the winning symbol combination table, the calculation time is further lengthened by adding check items.

In the state in which the loss request signal is generated, not only various winnings but also the "reach eyes"
It is necessary to stop and control the movement of the symbols so that the combination of the symbols does not line up on the winning line. In addition to the computation time, it takes a long time to operate the stop button to avoid displaying the "reach eye" symbol. Thereafter, symbol movement stops unnaturally, and the types and number of symbols and symbol combinations that can be used for loss display are limited. On the other hand, for a game machine such as a pachinko machine that is incorporated as a prize device and does not have a stop button for stopping a reel, it is necessary to shorten the calculation time and increase the number of symbol combinations indicating a loss display. ing.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. Regardless of a reel type, a video type, or a type using a display device such as an LED or a liquid crystal, a symbol sequence to be stopped after the second is used. A slot machine capable of shortening the calculation time at the time of stop control, increasing the number of symbols and combinations of symbols that can be used for loss display without giving the player an unnatural feeling. And to provide ball and ball game machines.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention determines the type of winning according to the value of a sampled random number, and activates stop control means so as to obtain the winning. When stopping the movement of the symbol row,
The stop control means refers to a winning symbol combination table that stores a combination of symbols constituting a winning, and determines whether the winning symbol combination table is a winning that is valid for all of the plurality of winning lines, or specifies Is given for each combination of symbols, indicating whether the winning is valid on some of the winning lines. Then, when the stop control means controls the stop position of the symbol row with reference to the winning symbol combination table for a specific winning line, first, the predetermined data is referred to, so that the symbol combination is referred to in the stop control. It is possible to immediately identify whether it is necessary or unnecessary.

[0015]

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of a slot machine using the present invention. In the main body 1 of the slot machine, three reels 2 to 4 having 21 symbols arranged on the outer periphery are rotatably provided. Built-in. The symbols on the reels 2 to 4 can be observed three each through the observation windows 5 to 7. As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the observation windows 5 to 7 have three horizontal pay lines L1 and L2.
A, L2B and two diagonal winning lines L3A, L3B are provided. When one medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 8 prior to the start of the game, only the pay line L1 is activated. When two medal is inserted, additional pay lines L2A and L2B are added. The winning line is activated. The activated pay line is displayed to the player by turning on the activated line display lamp 9.

After one to three medals have been inserted from the medal insertion slot 8, when the start lever 10 is operated, the reel 2
~ 4 rotate simultaneously. When the rotation of the reel reaches a certain speed, the operation of the stop buttons 11 to 13 is activated,
When this is pressed, each reel stops. When a combination of symbols stopped on the pay line activated by the number of inserted medals corresponds to a winning, the number of medals according to the type of the winning is paid out to the receiving tray 14. .

FIG. 4 shows basic circuit blocks of the slot machine. The overall game progress is controlled by the CPU 15. The CPU 15 includes a ROM 26 described later,
A microcomputer MC is configured with the RAM 27, the register, and the like, and is operated by receiving a clock pulse supplied from the clock pulse generator 16 via the frequency divider 17. Stepping motors 19 to 21 are used to rotate the reels 2 to 4, and these are driven by driving pulses from a motor drive input port 22.

The random number generator 23 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 24 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 10 is operated. In the winning probability table 26a in the ROM 26, it is determined to which of the winning groups the random numbers sampled in this manner belong. Therefore, data as conceptually shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the winning probability table 26a. In FIG. 5, B
1 to B3, M1 to M3, and S1 to S3 are preset numerical values, and “B1-M1-S1”,
One of "B2-M2-S2" and "B3-M3-S3" is determined. In addition, these numerical values are usually “B <
M <S ”is set, and the sampled random numbers are grouped into one of a large hit, a medium hit, and a small hit.

Assuming that the value of the random number generated by the random number generator 23 is "0 to N", when the number of inserted medals is 1, the probability of a big hit is "B1 / N" and the probability of a medium hit is Is “M1 / N” and the probability of a small hit is “S1 / N”.
For example, the values of B1, M1, and S1 are respectively "100",
If it is “500” or “1000”, if the value of the sampled random number is less than 100, a big hit, 1
Medium hit if 500 or more and less than 500, 500 or more and 10
If it is less than 00, it is a small hit and hit request signals corresponding to each type are generated.
If it is 00 or more, a loss request signal without winning is generated.

After the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 19 to 21 is counted, and the counted value is written to a predetermined area of the RAM 27. Reset pulses are obtained from the reels 2 to 4 every one rotation, and these are input to the main CPU 15 via the position detection input port 28. With the reset pulse thus obtained, the count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 27 is cleared to “0”.
Thereby, in the predetermined area of the RAM 27, the reels 2 to
For each of the four, a count value corresponding to a rotation position within a range of one rotation is stored.

In order to associate the rotation positions of the reels 2 to 4 with the symbols, the ROM 26 is provided with a symbol table 26b as conceptually shown in FIG. The symbol table 26b is provided with a code number sequentially assigned for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel based on the rotation position at which the reset pulse is generated, and corresponding to each code number. A symbol code representing a symbol is associated with the symbol code. Thus, for example, when the first reel 2 stops at the rotation position of “12” from the reference position, the symbol of “A” is displayed at the center of the observation window 5, and “E”,
It can be seen that the symbol “G” appears.

Further, the winning symbol combination table 26c is provided in the ROM 26. The winning symbol combination table 26c is conceptually represented as shown in FIG. 1, and includes a winning symbol combination and a symbol combination forming a reach, a medal payout number of the winning, and a winning determination code indicating the winning. Is associated with. The winning determination codes are “AH”, “BH” and “C”.
“H” indicates a medium hit, “DH” indicates a small hit, and “RH” indicates a reach. Note that the payout number is “0” for the reach eye
Although this is different from the normal winning, the reel stop control process will be described as one form of winning. The reach may have a payout number, but in this case, the reach need not be the same as the combination of the big hit symbols.

This winning symbol combination table 26c
Is referred to at the time of stop control of the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4 and when a winning check is performed after stopping all the reels. It is decided. That is, three medals
When a number of coins are inserted, the pay lines L1, L2A, L2B,
All of L3A and L3B are activated. However, depending on the type of winning, even if the combination of the symbols is obtained on a line other than the predetermined winning line, the symbol combination becomes invalid. ”,“ BL ”,“ C
L ".

"A" with line data "FL" attached
The hits "H", "BH", "CH", and "DH" are valid on all winning lines, but reach "RH"
Some of the symbol combinations are award line L2
Valid only when A and L3A are aligned (line data "L
A "), the other part is valid only when the line is lined up with the pay line L2B, L3B (line data" LB "), and the other part is valid only when the line is lined up with the line L1 (line data" LC "). ). The column number shown in the left column of the winning symbol combination table 26c indicates the order in which this table is referred to, and ends with the 20th column. The sequence program 26d stores a program for executing the game of the slot machine.

The reel stop input port 29 shown in FIG. 4 inputs an operation signal to the CPU 15 when the stop buttons 11 to 13 are operated. When a prize is obtained, the data of the number of payout medals corresponding to the type of the prize is sent from the CPU 15 to the counter drive input port 3.
Sent to 0. This payout medal number data is LE
The digital display is performed on the D display unit 31. Further, when a prize is generated, the hopper drive input port 33 receives a payout signal from the CPU 15 and inputs a drive signal to the hopper 34 when a prize is obtained. The medal detection unit 35 counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 34. When the counted value reaches the number data from the counter drive input port 30, the switch input port 36
To the hopper 34.
Is stopped, and the payout process of the medal is completed.

Next, the processing executed by the slot machine will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows the main flow. In step (hereinafter abbreviated as ST) 1, it is detected whether or not a medal has been inserted. Then, when it is detected that a medal has been inserted, the operation of the start lever 10 is validated, and ST2 is activated.
Detects the presence or absence of the operation. When the start lever 10 is operated, the number of inserted medals is determined at that time,
The input number data is input to the CPU 15. And CP
U15 turns on the activated line display lamp 9 according to the number of inserted sheets.

By operating the start lever 10, ST3
, The reels 2 to 4 are rotated simultaneously. Then, random number sampling is performed in ST4, and a request signal generation process is performed by comparing the random number value sampled in ST5 with the winning probability table 26a. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the flow of processing when sampling random numbers and stopping the reels. The sampling circuit 24 generates one of the random numbers generated by the random number generator 23 in response to the operation signal of the start lever 10. Sample. The random number value is compared with the probability table 26a, and it is determined which of the large, medium, and small hit groups belongs. When any hit is found, a hit request signal corresponding to the type is generated, and when a hit is found, a loss request signal is generated. These request signals are set in the RAM 27 as flags indicating the respective types.

When the request signal is determined in ST5, the operations of the stop buttons 11 to 13 are validated, and these operations are monitored in ST6. The stop button 11
If these operations are not operated for a predetermined time (ST7) after the operations of Nos. To 13 are activated (ST7), the reel stop control process of ST8 is automatically executed. Reel stop control means is C
The PU 15, the ROM 26, and the RAM 27 have stop control depending on the stop order of the three reels 2 to 4 and the type of request signal. In the present embodiment, the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel The case of stopping in the order of No. 4 is described below, and the reel stop control based on the type of request signal is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 for a large hit and a small hit, respectively. In the case where the stopping order of the reels 2 to 4 is different, basically the same processing is possible only by changing the processing procedure for each reel, and the description is omitted.

In the reel stop control processing in ST8, first, stop control of the first reel 2 is performed. Stop button 11
Is operated, the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor 19 at that time is read out from the RAM 27, and is associated with the rotation position of the first reel 2. When the rotational position of the first reel 2 is known, the symbol table 26b
In contrast, the three symbols appearing in the observation window 5 are grasped as symbol codes (S in FIGS. 9 and 10).
T70, ST80).

When a request signal of a big hit is generated, it is checked whether or not the symbol "A" or the symbol "B" for forming a big hit is included in the three symbols appearing in the observation window 5 in ST71. When the request signal is generated, whether or not there is a symbol "F" constituting a small hit in three symbols is checked in ST81. Of course, this is the winning line L1, L2A, L
In the case where all of 2B, L3A and L3B are activated, and when only the pay line L1 is activated, it is checked whether or not the symbol at the center of the observation window 5 is as described above. .

If there is a symbol corresponding to the request signal on the activated pay line, ST73,
In ST82, the first reel 2 is immediately stopped. In consideration of the fact that the first reel 2 cannot be stopped instantaneously, the above process may be performed several steps before the reel rotation position. Further, when the symbol "F" appears on the first reel 2, a small hit is obtained regardless of the symbol on the second and third reels (because a medal payout is allocated as shown in FIG. 1). 9), when the big hit request signal shown in FIG. 9 is generated, a check is made in ST72 so that the symbol "F" does not appear on the activated pay line.

According to the checks in ST71 and ST81,
If the symbol corresponding to the hit request signal does not appear in the observation window 5, the first reel 2 is further rotated by four symbols by ST74 and ST75 (at the time of a large hit) and ST83 and ST84 (at the time of a small hit). To see what symbols will appear. Then, when there is a corresponding symbol, the first reel 2 is rotated to the frame position and stopped there. At the time of a big hit, the symbol "F" is controlled so that it does not stop at the pay line. When there is no corresponding symbol in the range of the four-frame shift, the first reel 2 is unavoidably stopped there.

When the process of stopping the first reel 2 shown in ST9 of the main flow is completed, a line check process (see FIGS. 12 to 15) described later in ST10 is executed. After that, when the stop button 12 is operated, FIG.
The stop processing of the second reel 3 shown in FIG. 1 is performed, and the second reel 3 stops. The expected hit flag reference processing shown in ST201 in FIG. 11 will be described later together with the details of the line check processing. Further, the same line check processing and stop control are performed on the third reel 4 to confirm that all reels have been stopped in ST11. Then, at the time of winning, the coin payout processing in ST13 is performed and the processing of the main routine is completed. Next, ST1 of FIG.
1 and FIG. 1 for the line check process shown in FIG.
The respective cases after the first reel 2 stops, after the second reel 3 stops, and after all the reels stop will be described with reference to FIGS. When the line check process is executed, the line check is performed from L1 →
The processing is performed in the order of L2A → L2B → L3A → L3B.

"After Stopping of First Reel" First, as shown in ST100 in the flow of FIG. 12, a pay line activated according to the number of inserted medals is read, and in response thereto, Initialize a register in the CPU 15 and a predetermined working area in the RAM 27 used for the processing (ST101). And
In ST102, the pay line (the one activated by medal insertion) to be subjected to the current line check processing is checked. For example, when one medal has been inserted, the line check processing is not required for the pay lines L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B.

When a line check process is required, a winning symbol combination table is selected according to the gaming state at that time. Here, the game state refers to the normal game mode described above and the big bonus game mode that can be executed only after a big hit is obtained. At the time of the big bonus game, the winning symbol combination is different from that of the normal game. Therefore, at this game, a winning symbol combination table different from the winning symbol combination table 26c of the normal game shown in FIG. 1 is used. Will be. When a mini bonus game or the like that can be played in another game mode is added in addition to the big bonus game, a winning symbol combination table for the mini bonus game is prepared. Although the following description is based on a normal game state, it can be dealt with in a big bonus game or the like by almost the same processing only with a different winning symbol combination table.

After setting the winning symbol combination table 26c in the base game in ST103, the symbol code on the winning line to be subjected to the line check processing is read in ST104. At this time, since the first reel 2 has already been stopped, the symbol code of the first reel 2 stopped on the pay line is read as it is. For the second reel 3, it is assumed that 21 symbols of code numbers 0 to 20 are stopped at the center of the observation window 6, and which combination of the activated pay line and the symbol of the first reel 2 is used. It will be read. A rotation code indicating that the third reel 4 is rotating is read. In addition,
Although the second reel 3 is rotating, it is assumed that the second reel 3 is stopped by the above-described processing. Therefore, the second reel 3 is actually rotating but is not read as a rotation code. The reading process of the symbol code is conceptually performed as shown in FIG. 14, and the details will be described later.

When the symbol code combinations are read, the winning symbol combination table 26c in FIG. 1 is sequentially referred to from the first column. If the line check processing has progressed to the twentieth column, it is checked in ST105, and the line check processing proceeds to the next activated pay line.

When all the pay lines are activated, a line check process is first performed on the pay line L1. First, the data in the first column of the winning symbol combination table 26c is referred to. Since this line data is "FL" and the combination of the symbols "AA" is valid for all the winning lines, "YES" is determined in ST106 and the process proceeds to next ST107. In ST107, it is determined whether or not the symbol on the first reel 2 is a skip code (a symbol code indicated by “ANY” in FIG. 1 and indicates that any symbol may be used as long as it does not overlap with other symbol combinations). However, since the symbol code of the first reel is "A", the process proceeds to the next ST108.

In ST108, it is checked whether the symbol code read in ST104 is the same as the symbol code of the first reel in the first column of the winning combination table 26c. If not the same, proceed to ST109, ST
It is checked whether the symbol code read in 104 is the same as the symbol code “B” on the first reel in the second column of the winning symbol combination table 26c. If the symbol codes match in the process of checking up to the 20th column in this way, it is determined in ST110 whether or not the symbol code on the second reel of the winning symbol combination table 26c is a skip code. If not, it is checked in ST111 whether or not the rotation code is attached to the second reel 3. The result of this check is “YES” because the third reel 4 → the first reel 2
It is provided on the assumption that the stop operation is performed in the order of the second reel 3 or the third reel 4 → the second reel 3 → the first reel 2.
Since the stop operation is being performed from the reel 2, “NO” is obtained.

In ST112, it is determined whether or not the 21 expected symbols read in ST104 are the same as the symbol codes of the second reel in the winning symbol combination table 26c of FIG. 1 as in the first reel. Checked in the procedure. If they are the same, ST1
09, if they are the same, the process proceeds to ST113 to check whether or not the symbol code of the third reel in the winning symbol combination table 26c is a skip code. If the result of this check is "YES", the process proceeds to ST116 and
If "NO", it is determined in ST114 whether or not a rotation code is attached to the third reel. In the description so far, since the rotation code is given to the third reel,
This determination is "YES" and the process proceeds to ST116.

In ST116, even when the rotation code is given to the third reel 4, when the second reel 3 stops at the 21 rotation positions with respect to the symbol determined by the stop of the first reel 2, It is sequentially determined what kind of winning is likely to occur on the activated winning line. Then, the winning symbol combination table 26c
, And reads a winning determination code representing the number of medals and the type of winning for a winning that may occur. For example, if there is a possibility that a winning in the first column of the winning symbol combination table 26c may be obtained on the activated winning line, the data of the winning line in which this winning may occur, “15”, RAM of "AH" data
Save to 27.

Next, in ST117, it is checked whether or not there is a reel to which a rotation code is given. In the description so far, since the third reel 4 is a rotation code, “YE
The process proceeds to ST119 with the determination of "S". In ST119, the symbol code read in ST104 during the current check is stored in the RAM 27, and the process returns to ST104. The same check is repeated up to the 20th column while referring to the winning symbol combination table 26c.

When the line check processing for the winning line L1 is completed in this way, the determination in ST105 is "YE
S ”, the pay line to be checked is changed to the next pay line L2A in ST118. And ST
Returning to 102, similarly, the winning symbol combination table 26
The line check process is performed with reference to a. At this time, the thirteenth and fourteenth columns in which the line data of the winning symbol combination table 26c are “BL” and “CL”
The column, the 16th column, the 17th column, and the 19th column are not checked and are skipped to the next column. As a result, the check time can be reduced. When the number of inserted medals is one, it is determined in ST102 that the winning line L2A is not to be checked, and the first medal is determined.
The line check process after the reel stops is completed. When the number of inserted medals is three, by repeating the above-described processing, the pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L
Line check processing is performed for all of 3A and L3B.

Next, the rotational position of the second reel is shifted to the next code number, and a line check process is performed in exactly the same manner as described above. Since there are 21 possible stop positions of the second reel 3, the above process is executed 21 times while shifting the code numbers of the second reel 3 one by one.
As described above, the line check process is performed after the first reel 2 stops. Regarding the reading of the reel symbol code, the winning determination code, and the process of setting the expected hit flag when this process is performed, FIG.
4 and FIG.

As described above, when the number of inserted medals is three, after the first reel 2 stops, all 21 stop positions of the second reel 3 are assumed, and the pay line L
For all the lines in the order of 1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B, a line check process is performed to determine what combination of the symbols on the first reel 2 and the symbols on the second reel 3 has a winning possibility. Then, the number of winning medals and the winning determination code determined to have a possibility of winning by this check are written in the RAM 27, and an expected hit flag is set based on the winning determining code.

The above-described symbol code reading process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Assuming that the first reel 2 is stopped as shown in FIG. 14A, the stop position of the second reel 3 is assumed to be 21 and the combination pattern of the symbols at that time is checked. For example, FIG.
If the second reel 3 stops at the code number "5" at the center of the observation window 6 as shown in FIG.
The combination of symbols on 1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B is as shown in FIG.

The arrow on the third reel 4 is a rotation code indicating that the reel is spinning, but depending on the stop position of the third reel 4, "AAA" (big hit) and a prize are placed on the prize line L1. "EAE" on line L3A (reach eyes)
Could be possible. Therefore, for the code number "5" of the second reel 3, a big hit prediction flag and a reach prediction flag are set as shown in FIG. The presence or absence of such a prediction flag is checked for all code numbers on the second reel 3, and these data are written to the RAM 27. In addition, "EA-
Even if there is a possibility that the reach of “E” may line up with the winning line L2B, for example, the winning symbol combination table 26c
As is apparent from the above, the reach eye of "EAE" has no meaning except for the pay line L3A, so that the prediction flag of the reach eye is not set.

The prediction flag data thus written in the RAM 27 is referred to at the time of the stop control of the second reel 3 shown in FIG. That is, when the stop button 12 of the second reel 3 is operated, in ST201, FIG.
Referring to the prediction flag corresponding to the code number of the second reel 3 shown in (2), when the request signal of the big hit is generated, the symbol of the big hit is stopped on the activated pay line. In ST202 to ST205, stop control of the second reel 3 is executed.

"After Stopping the Second Reel" The line check processing after the second reel 3 is stopped is the same as the line check processing after the first reel is stopped, as shown in FIG.
13, the first reel 2 and the second reel 3 have already been stopped and the symbol combination has been specified. The line check process is performed on the assumption of the stop position. And FIG.
The presence or absence of a prediction flag is checked for each code number of the third reel 4 as shown in (1), and the prediction flag data is written to the RAM 27.

When the stop button 13 of the third reel 4 is pressed, the prediction flag data of the third reel 4 is referred to.
When a big hit request signal is generated, stop control of the third reel 4 is executed according to the flow of FIG. 16 (when a big hit request signal is generated). At the time of the stop processing of the third reel 4, the first, second
The stop position is controlled such that not only a prize according to the request signal but also a prize different from the request signal is not obtained by a combination with the reel symbols.
Even if the processing is performed in accordance with the flow of FIG. 16, if the operation timing of the stop button 13 by the player is inappropriate and a big hit could not be issued even after checking up to 4 frames shift, this corresponds. If a symbol that can be reached on the pay line exists on the third reel, stop control is performed so as to display a reach, and a request signal for a big hit is carried over to the next and subsequent games.

"After Stopping the Third Reel" The line check processing after the stop of the third reel 4 is shown in FIG.
In the flow of FIG. 13, the code number of the third reel 4 that has actually stopped is obtained, and a winning determination is made based on the actual combination of symbols for each winning line. Of course, the winning symbol combination table 2
Although reference is made to 6c, unnecessary checks are avoided by referring to line data, and processing time can be reduced.
FIG. 17 shows a flowchart when the process and the medal payout process are executed.

By the way, for example, when a game is played in a state where a big hit request signal is generated and a big hit cannot be issued even when all reels are stopped, a reach is issued in the game. The stop control of the third reel 4 is performed, and the big hit request signal is stored as it is in the next and subsequent games. Starting the next game, random number sampling is newly performed, and the winning probability table 26a
In contrast to this, if it is other than a big hit, the big hit request signal carried over from the previous time is prioritized, and stop control is performed so that a big hit is generated for each reel. Then, when the big hit is issued, the big hit request signal that has been carried over is cleared.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiment.
The present invention can be applied to a slot machine using a display device such as an ED or a liquid crystal. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the combination of the symbols that is effective only when they are arranged in a part of all the winning lines is only the reach, but for example, the combination of the symbols that constitute the other winnings is also specified. It may be changed so that it is handled effectively only on the winning line. Further, the present invention can be applied to a ball game machine having no stop button. In this case, the reel stop button operation in the flowchart may not be included, and the reel may be stopped at a constant interval.

[0054]

As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, predetermined data is added to the winning symbol combination table which is referred to when the movement of the symbol row is stopped and controlled, and the predetermined data is used to win the game. Since the combination of the symbols constituting the prize stored in the symbol combination table is valid for all of the plurality of prize lines or valid for a part thereof, When the stop control means refers to the winning symbol combination table and controls the stop position of the symbol row for a specific winning line, it is necessary or not necessary to refer to the combination of the symbols only by inquiring predetermined data. If the reference is unnecessary, the combination of the symbols to which the predetermined data is attached can be skipped, and the check time can be shortened. So as to. Therefore, even if the number of combinations of symbols constituting a prize is increased in the prize symbol combination table, those that do not need to be referenced can be skipped only by inquiring predetermined data, and the prize can be won without extending the processing time. It is possible to increase the combination of symbols. Further, any symbols may be stopped on the pay line which has been invalidated by the predetermined data, so that the combination patterns of the lost symbols can be increased, giving an unnatural feeling to the player. Nor.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a winning symbol combination table used in a slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a winning line of the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration used in the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a winning probability table used in the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a symbol table used in the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a main flowchart showing a basic processing flow of the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating random number sampling processing and reel stop control processing performed in the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing stop processing of a first reel when a big hit request signal is generated.

FIG. 10 shows a first example when a small hit request signal is generated.
It is a flowchart which shows the stop processing of a reel.

FIG. 11 shows a second example when a big hit request signal is generated.
It is a flowchart which shows the stop processing of a reel.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a line check process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another part of the line check process.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram when a symbol code on a second reel is read after the first reel is stopped.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of a data table of predicted hit flags created by a line check process.

FIG. 16 shows a third example when a big hit request signal is generated.
It is a flowchart which shows the stop processing of a reel.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing after the third reel is stopped.

[Explanation of symbols]

 15 CPU 23 Random number generator 24 Sampling circuit 26a Win probability table 26b Symbol table 26c Win symbol combination table 27 RAM

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A random number generator for generating a random number having a value within a certain range, a winning probability table storing data obtained by dividing the range for each type of winning, and a random number generator generated from the random number generator. Sampling means for specifying one of the random numbers, request signal generating means for comparing the specified value of the random number with the winning probability table to generate a request signal corresponding to the type of winning, and a symbol constituting the winning A winning symbol combination table storing combinations of
Stop control means for referring to the winning symbol combination table and stopping the movement of the symbol row so that a combination of symbols corresponding to the request signal is obtained on a winning line which is activated among a plurality of winning lines. In a gaming machine having a winning symbol combination table, for each combination of symbols stored in the winning symbol combination table, a winning is valid on all of the plurality of winning lines, or a winning is valid on a specific partial winning line. When the stop control unit refers to the winning symbol combination table for each of the activated pay lines, the predetermined data is referred to, and the reference pay line is determined. If the data is other than the one determined by the predetermined data, the next location is determined without referring to the symbol combination to which the predetermined data is assigned. A gaming machine characterized by shifting to constant data inquiry. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the winning probability table includes data for defining no winning. 3. The winning symbol combination table according to claim 1, wherein a combination of specific symbols indicating generation of a winning request signal of a specific rank and not constituting a winning of the specific rank is stored. Gaming machine.