JP4286072B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a prize is provided as a result of stopping a plurality of variably displayed symbols in a predetermined combination, and in particular, a player can be notified of changes in the gaming situation such as the formation of a winning combination. It relates to a slot machine with functions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a plurality of rotating reels are provided in the front display window so that a plurality of symbols are drawn and can be repeatedly displayed and stopped and arranged in a horizontal row. The stop buttons that can be stopped and displayed by the player's stop operation are arranged so as to correspond to the respective reels, and each stop and displayed on a predetermined line in the display window by the player's stop button operation is arranged. There is known a slot machine that provides a special game such as a bonus game in which a game medium such as a lot of medals and coins can be paid out to a player by a combination of symbols on a rotating reel.
[0003]
That is, a game performed using this slot machine is started when a player inserts a game medium such as a medal or a coin. Then, in response to the player operating the start lever, a control means such as a built-in CPU rotates and controls the rotating reel, and a plurality of symbols are variably displayed in the display window. The rotating reel that has fluctuated sequentially stops rotating in response to the stop button being stopped by the player within a certain period of time. At this time, if the symbols of the rotating reels stopped and displayed on a predetermined line in the display window become a specific combination, that is, a winning combination, a predetermined number of the above game media are paid out to the player. Provide gaming media.
[0004]
Such a slot machine has a plurality of types of winning combinations. In particular, when a combination corresponding to a predetermined winning is established, not only paying out one game medium but also a normal period of time. There are things that are easier to win than states and can be in a gaming state advantageous to the player. Among the winning combinations according to such winnings, it is possible to play a game in a state where it is very easy to make a winning combination for paying the maximum payout number and provide a lot of game media for the player. The winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “RB (Regular Bonus)”) and the possibility that this RB can be performed a plurality of times, and a game in which a small role is likely to be established separately between each RB is continuously performed a plurality of times. There is a winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “BB (Big Bonus)”) that can easily provide a lot of game media to the player.
[0005]
In the slot machine, each rotating reel is stopped and displayed at a position where three symbols can be seen in the display window. For example, when there are three rotating reels, a total of nine symbols are stopped and displayed. Among these symbols, among the three horizontal lines in the horizontal direction and two diagonal lines, etc., an activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as “effective line”) set according to the number of game media thrown by the player. The combination of symbols to be displayed in a stop manner is determined by the lottery result of the internal lottery by the main control unit including a built-in CPU and the timing of the stop operation of the stop button by the player. That is, in order to establish a winning combination for paying out game media, even if a winning combination is won as a result of the above-described internal lottery, a combination of symbols indicating the winning combination of the established winning combination is displayed on the active line. However, if the stop button is not operated at a predetermined timing, it is not possible to shift to a special game such as RB or BB. Therefore, the player needs to perform a so-called pushing operation such as operating a stop button in anticipation of the timing at which a symbol to be stopped appears in the display window while closely watching the symbol on the rotating reel during the variable display. . On the other hand, if the lottery result of the internal lottery is out of place, even if the player performs a push operation and operates the stop button in a timely manner, the rotating reel is forcibly stopped without displaying a combination of winning combinations. Stop display with a combination of deviations.
[0006]
In recent years, a plurality of publications have proposed a gaming machine that notifies that a winning combination is won when a shift to RB or BB is won as an internal lottery result.
[0007]
That is, in Patent Document 1, the type of winning as an internal lottery result is notified by changing the emission color, or the operation timing of the stop button for stopping each rotating reel that is variably displayed is indicated by the start lever. There is described a gaming machine that is provided with notifying means such as notifying according to the light emission mode, and that allows the player to recognize information related to the established winning combination.
[0008]
Further, in Patent Document 2, an internal lottery is performed as to whether or not a combination corresponding to BB is established in the control unit, and when a combination is established, as a notification form when setting formation of a combination corresponding to BB is set, The built-in vibration generating unit mechanically generates vibration by the vibration generating device, turns on the hit lamp, and outputs a notification sound for notifying the formation of the role from the speaker. Describes a gaming device that gives a strong impression with completely different sensations, arouses joy by experiencing mechanical vibrations, and enjoys an entertaining game.
[0009]
Further, Patent Document 3 includes at least two types of notification means for notifying the formation of a role, such as a production reel that can notify information by operation and display of a rotating reel, and a reel lamp that notifies information by light. However, a gaming machine has been proposed in which it is possible to predict what role has been established by comprehensively judging the information notified by each notification means.
[0010]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-58792 A
[Patent Document 2]
Registered Utility Model No. 3055840
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-112921 A
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described gaming machine, the player is informed so that the fact that the winning combination is established and the fact that the player is won as an internal lottery result can be understood, but the characteristics and rules of the gaming machine are not well understood. For beginner players, while the lamp and sound effects are performed during normal games, the above effects are not distinguishable from the normal effects, and the role is established as the lottery result of the internal lottery. Thus, there is a case where the game is continuously performed without knowing that the player has won, and the problem that the medals are wasted is not solved. Also, since the above notice production is very flashy and conspicuous, it is very easy to understand for other players around, and for beginner players who do not understand the game rules well or cannot perform the push operation, Other than being embarrassed that it is impossible to perform an accurate stop operation after being performed, or that only the player can recognize that the role has been established while other players do not know about the player There is a problem that it is difficult to give the player a sense of superiority.
[0012]
In order to solve the problems of the slot machine having the notification function described in the prior art as described above, the present invention provides a game that is more accurately notified that a game situation has changed, such as a winning combination. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that is more effective for a player and can give a superior feeling to other players.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present inventor uses a stop input means for stopping and displaying the display means that is variably displayed, and the game situation has changed such as a winning combination as a lottery result of the lottery means. This is a slot machine for notifying that there are two push buttons as stop input means that enable a stop operation when the player presses the button, and one of the two push buttons is provided. By providing a lock mechanism that suppresses the player's pressing operation on the two push buttons, the lock mechanism is activated when the game situation changes, and the two push buttons that the player was able to press at the same time normally can be operated. There is a great impact that one of the push buttons can not be pressed, and the player can change the game situation with an accurate method using the touch feeling of fingers. As a result, slot machines such as pachislot machines can be invented that can give notice of changes in the game situation in a way that is not easily understood by other players and can provide a sense of superiority to other players. It was.
[0014]
Hereinafter, specific means of the present invention will be described.
In the invention of (1), a plurality of display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a lottery means for performing an internal lottery regarding formation of a hand, and a player's stop operation on the plurality of display means for variably displaying In response to the fact that the winning combination is established by the lottery result of the internal lottery by the lottery means, the plurality of display means are respectively set by the symbol stop operation input of the stop input means by the player. A slot machine comprising a prize payout means for paying out a prize to a player on the condition that it is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol set for each combination, wherein the stop input means is stopped by a player's pressing operation A plurality of stop button switches having a first push button and a second push button that can be operated, wherein the second push button is simultaneously pressed by a player's one push operation. Together provided near a position capable of stopping the operation of the emissions, each A lock mechanism that suppresses the player's pressing operation in response to the second push button of the stop button switch Individually It is provided, and comprises an operation control means for performing control to operate the lock mechanism in a combination of a plurality of patterns in accordance with the type of the combination established as a lottery result by the lottery means.
According to the invention of (1), when the stop input means comprising the first push button and the second push button that can be stopped by the player's pressing operation, the display means that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed. In addition, the second push button provided in the vicinity where the first push button can be simultaneously stopped by the player's single pressing operation is played by the lock mechanism according to the change in the game situation. Because it is possible to suppress the pressing operation of the user, only the second push button cannot be pressed by the lock mechanism even if both the first push button and the second push button are pressed normally. , Allowing players to accurately and reliably recognize that the game situation has changed, and only the player can recognize changes in the game situation without being known by other players It is possible to play a game with a sense of superiority with respect to the other players, and an accurate stop operation without knowing the game operation rules or the push operation even though the game situation has changed. Even for beginners who are embarrassed about the players around them, it is no longer necessary to proceed with the game while feeling uncomfortable with the eyes around them. In addition, since the operation control unit performs control to operate a plurality of lock mechanisms with a combination of a plurality of patterns, the player is notified that a combination has been established as a lottery result of the internal lottery by the lottery means. On the other hand, it is possible to reliably notify the formation of the winning combination, and for example, it is possible to prevent a trouble for the player such as wasting his / her own game media without knowing the winning combination.
[0015]
As a specific structure of the stop input means in the present invention, for example, for making an electrical connection at the electrical contact portion while elastic means such as a compression spring provided inside is elastically deformed based on a player's pressing operation. The formed first push button and a contact body which is provided substantially concentrically with the first push button and which is attached to a movable part of a driving means such as a cylinder which operates according to a change in the game situation. By this, it consists of the 2nd push button provided with the lock mechanism used as the state by which a player's pressing operation is suppressed. In addition to the pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic solenoid, a motor-driven cam link mechanism, or the like can be used as the lock mechanism. In addition, the cylinder in the lock mechanism can be operated within the range of play so that the abutment body does not cause excessive piercing, etc. It is preferable that the elastic means be held so as to be elastically deformed as much as possible. In the present invention, the second push button only needs to be provided at a position close to the first push button so that the player can perform a stop operation. For example, the second push button is concentric with the first push button. It is possible to have various arrangement states such as providing the first push button at a position surrounded by the first push button.
[0016]
Further, the operation control means in the present invention can be provided as a single semiconductor device in a control means such as a CPU on a main control board for executing a game program indicating a game flow.
[0017]
Furthermore, in the present invention, as a trigger for moving the second push button in the stop input means, a change in the game situation has occurred such as a small role or a bonus role being established as a lottery result of the internal lottery of the lottery means It is possible to apply time etc. For example, when a small role has entered an AT gaming state where it is likely to be established over the number of consecutive games, or when a replay (re-game) role has entered an RT gaming state where it is likely to be established over the number of consecutive games, or The present invention can be applied when various game situations change, such as in a CT gaming state in which display means that is variably displayed by a player's eye-opening operation can be stopped.
[0018]
In the present invention, when the lock mechanism of the second push button is operated by the control of the operation control unit, the game situation does not necessarily change, and the player is informed that the game situation has changed. It is also possible to notify Gasse that the game situation has not actually changed by simply letting them expect.
[0019]
Furthermore, the lock mechanism of the second push button in the stop input means of the present invention does not necessarily have to be provided integrally with the pressing operation unit that the player presses with the finger of the hand, and the locking mechanism and the pressing operation unit are provided. It is also possible to adopt a structure provided as a separate body so that the pressing operation unit and the movable part of the lock mechanism are in contact with or close to each other when the lock mechanism is operated.
[0020]
Further, the present invention is the slot machine according to the invention of (1) or (2), wherein the second push button is formed in a through hole provided at a substantially central portion of the first push button. It is possible to provide a slot machine characterized by being inserted. That is, in the present invention, a through hole is formed in the substantially central portion of the first push button, and the second push button is movable in a vertically movable manner by a player's pressing operation in the through hole of the first push button. It is inserted through. When the player performs a stop operation of the symbol display means that is variably displayed, the player performs a stop input means while performing a stop operation of the stop input means while observing the fluctuation status of the symbol display means. Is pressed with the thumb or the like while predicting the position in advance to some extent. That is, few players press the stop input means while looking at the stop input means, and aim at the position of the substantially central portion of the stop input means and perform the press operation with intuition. As described above, since it is difficult for the player to always press and operate a certain position in the stop input means, in the present invention, when the player performs a pressing operation, the player is most likely to touch the finger. By providing the second push button substantially at the center of the first push button, the player can simultaneously press the two push buttons in the most probable situation. As a result, when the lock mechanism that suppresses the player's pressing operation according to changes in the gaming situation is activated, only the first push button is pressed and the second push button is not pressed simultaneously. It is possible to further reduce this.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a side view of the slot machine of FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of the slot machine, and FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the housing of the slot machine of FIG.
[0022]
(Description of appearance configuration)
The slot machine 1 shown in the figure is configured by attaching a door 3 to a front opening of a box-shaped housing 2 so as to be freely opened and closed. In the internal space of the housing 2, a reel unit 10 and a control board 4 (main board 4 </ b> A, sub-board 4 </ b> B) on which a control unit 6 described later is mounted are incorporated in the upper part, and a large number of medals are provided in the lower part. The payout means 5 functioning as the award payout means having the hopper 5A for storing the is incorporated.
[0023]
The reel unit 10 includes three reels 12 (left reel), 13 (middle reel), and 14 (right reel) on a metal frame 11, and stepping motors 12A, 13A, which are driving sources of the reels 12, 13, and 14. 14A, left, middle, and right reel drivers 12B, 13B, and 14B (see FIG. 12) for controlling the rotation of a stepping motor, which will be described later, and a sensor 12C for detecting the rotational position of each reel 12, 13, and 14 , 13C, 14C (see FIG. 12).
[0024]
Each of the reels 12, 13, and 14 is configured by adhering a belt-like sheet in which a plurality of symbols are continuously printed in a line by silk screen printing on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical cylindrical body. In a state where the belt-like sheet is attached to the reels 12, 13, and 14, the design of the outer peripheral surface of the belt-like sheet is made conspicuous by the light of the light source provided on the inner circumference side of the reels 12, 13, and 14. To make it possible, the belt-like sheet itself is made of a resin having translucency, and the material of the reels 12, 13, and 14 itself is made of a translucent resin, or light is passed through the back on which the design is printed. The structure which provides a hole is adopted.
[0025]
Symbols such as “7”, “Cheri”, “Bell” and “Bar” are symbols that can be distinguished from other symbols by the player. In this embodiment, the symbol of the RB role or some specific symbol is used. It is expressed as a symbol of a small role.
[0026]
Further, the door 3 of the housing 2 is made of a metal frame so that the internal medal is not easily stolen, and is provided so as to be openable and closable with a hinge (not shown) with respect to the housing 2. It can be locked with the key 3A. In addition, in the front opening of the door 3, a window for forming a first panel 7 for a notification light source provided with a light source in the interior communicating with the internal space of the housing 2, and a plurality of areas for symbol variation display The second panel 8 forming the left reel window 8A, the middle reel window 8B, and the right reel window 8C, and the third panel 9 for makeup with the model name and title logo of the slot machine. It is assembled.
[0027]
Between the second panel 8 and the third panel 9, there is provided a medal slot 20 as a slotting means for directly inserting medals into the machine body. Further, on the left side of the second panel 8, there is provided display means 21 including a liquid crystal panel for displaying an effect image using a character image or a background image. Similarly to the medal slot 20, between the second panel 8 and the third panel 9, there is a start lever 22 and a stop button switch 23 (left stop button switch 23A, middle stop button switch 23B as stop input means). , A right stop button switch 23C), a bet button switch 24 (MAX bet switch 24A, single bet switch 24B), and a settlement switch 25 are provided.
[0028]
Here, the structure of the stop button switch 23 as stop input means, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described.
[0029]
As described above, the stop button switch 23 includes the left stop button switch 23A, the middle stop button switch 23B, and the right stop button switch 23C. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part showing an internal structure of each stop button switch, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part showing a plan view showing the internal structure of each stop button switch.
[0030]
The stop button switches 23 are integrally held by the holding unit 231 so as to be juxtaposed in the horizontal direction at regular intervals so that the vertical movement associated with the player's pressing operation is possible. The holding unit 231 is made of a resin such as ABS, and attachment holes 232 for attaching the housing 2 to the housing 2 with screws or the like are formed at both left and right ends thereof. The holding unit 231 has three insertion holes 233 for inserting the stop button switches 23A, 23B, and 23C so as to be juxtaposed in the horizontal direction. The stop button switch 23 </ b> A is a leaf spring in a state of being pressed over the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion of the pressing operation unit 234 and the hollow cylindrical portion of the pressing operation unit 234. 235 and a bottom surface portion 236 on which the 235 is erected. In addition, electrical contact portions (not shown) that are electrically connected to each other are formed on the lower end portion and the bottom surface portion 236 of the pressing operation portion 234. Further, a protrusion 237 that contacts the leaf spring 235 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the pressing operation portion 234. Further, a compression spring 244 described later is provided on the bottom surface portion 236 on the back surface side of the pressing operation portion 234. In the stop button switch 23 having such a configuration, the pressing operation portion 234 is pressed downward while elastically deforming the leaf spring 235 inward and compressing and deforming the compression spring 244 by the player's pressing operation. The electric contact portions of the lower end portion and the bottom surface portion 236 of the portion 234 are electrically connected. On the other hand, when the player does not press the pressing operation portion 234, the elastically deformed leaf spring 235 and compression spring 244 are provided. The pressing operation portion 234 is pushed upward by the restoring force of the upper end to release the electrical connection between the electric contact portions at the lower end portion and the bottom surface portion 236 of the pressing operation portion 234. In addition, the stop button switch 23A in the present embodiment includes two push buttons, a first push button 238 and a second push button 239, which can be stopped by a player's pushing operation. Is provided at a position surrounded by the first push button 238 and in the vicinity where the first push button 238 can be simultaneously stopped by a player's single pressing operation. The details of these structures will be described. The first push button 238 has a substantially cylindrical recessed portion 240 formed in the central portion thereof, and a substantially circular through hole formed in the substantially central portion of the bottom surface of the recessed portion 240. Is formed. The second push button 239 has a cylindrical body 242 that can be inserted into the recess 240 of the first push button 238 formed at the top, and extends downward from the bottom surface of the cylindrical body 242. It has a rod-like body 243 formed continuously. The compression spring 244 described above is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped body 243. The compression spring 244 has an upper portion that is in contact with the back surface portion of the recess 240 of the first push button 238, while a lower portion that is in contact with the bottom surface portion 236, so that the pressing operation portion 234 is moved downward. The force in the direction of pushing this back is energized.
[0031]
In addition, the holding unit 231 is provided with a lock mechanism 245 that suppresses the player's pressing operation of the second push button 239 in accordance with a change in the game situation. The lock mechanism 245 includes a pneumatic cylinder 246 attached to the lower surface of the holding unit 231, a rod-like connection bar 247 connected to a movable part of the pneumatic cylinder 246, and two upper end portions and a central portion of the connection bar 247. And a contact body 248 having a T-shape in plan view, which is attached to the portion and faces the lower end surface of the rod-shaped body 243 in the second push button 239. A side view L-shaped stay 249 is provided on the lower surface of the holding unit 231, and the stay 249 and the contact body 248 are locked by a tension spring 250. The abutting body 248 has a form in which a plate-like body made of metal such as stainless steel is bent twice with a predetermined interval, and one end and the other end thereof are respectively attached to the same connection bar 247. ing.
[0032]
According to such a configuration, in the normal gaming state, as shown in FIG. 8, the contact body 248 moved to the left in FIG. 8 along with the movement caused by the extension of the movable portion of the pneumatic cylinder 246 and the first A clearance S of a predetermined interval is formed between the lower end surface of the rod-shaped body 243 in the second push button 239. In this state, as shown in FIG. 9, when the player presses the pressing operation portion 234, the first push button 238 moves downward against the upward biasing force of the leaf spring 235 and the compression spring 244. The second push button 239 is also pressed by the player simultaneously with the first push button 238, and the second push button 238 has its rod-like shape. The lower end surface of the body 243 only moves in the clearance S and moves to the left in FIG. 8 without contacting the contact body 248.
[0033]
On the other hand, when the game situation changes, such as a winning combination described later, the connecting bar 247 and the contact body 248 move to the right in FIG. 10 due to the contraction of the movable part of the pneumatic cylinder 246, and the clearance S Therefore, when the player presses the pressing operation portion 234, the first push button 238 moves downward against the upward biasing force of the leaf spring 235 and the compression spring 244, and the above While making an electrical connection in the electrical contact portion, the player pushes the second push button 239 simultaneously with the first push button 238, but the second push button 238 has a lower end surface of the rod-like body 243 thereof. Since it is in contact with the contact body 248, it cannot move in the left direction in FIG. 10 like the first push button 238, and the second push button 2 as shown in FIG. Only 9 is a state as to protrude. For this reason, the player presses only the first push button in a state where the second push button 238 cannot be pressed even though the stop button switch 23A is pressed as usual.
[0034]
That is, in such a structure, the display means 21 variably displayed by the stop button switch 23 composed of the first push button 238 and the second push button 239 that can be stopped by the player's pressing operation is displayed. When the stop display is performed, the position is surrounded by the first push button 238, and is provided in the vicinity where the first push button 238 can be simultaneously stopped by the player's single pressing operation. Since the second push button 239 can suppress the player's pressing operation by the lock mechanism 245 in response to a change in the game situation such as establishment of a winning combination, the first push button 238 and the second push button 239 Even if both the buttons 239 are pressed normally, only the second push button 239 cannot be pressed by the lock mechanism 245. It is possible to recognize that the game situation is changing accurately and reliably, and only the player can recognize the change of the game situation without being known to other players, and it is superior to the other players. It is possible to play a game with a sense of feeling, and even for beginners who are easy to feel embarrassed without being able to perform an accurate stop operation without knowing the push operation and game rules, without worrying about the surrounding eyes It becomes possible to play games happily.
[0035]
In addition, when the player performs a pressing operation, a second push button is provided at the substantially central portion of the first push button, which is the position where the finger is most likely to touch, so that two pushes are given to the player. The buttons can be pressed simultaneously in the most probable situation. As a result, when the lock mechanism that suppresses the player's pressing operation according to changes in the gaming situation is activated, only the first push button is pressed and the second push button is not pressed simultaneously. It is possible to further reduce this.
[0036]
Note that the stop button switch 23B and the stop button switch 23C have substantially the same structure as the stop button switch 23A, and thus description thereof is omitted here.
[0037]
The lock mechanism of the second push button in the stop input means of the present invention is provided as a separate body from the press operation portion that the player presses with the finger of the hand as shown in this embodiment, and is pressed when the lock mechanism is movable. In addition to being configured so that the operating portion and the movable part of the lock mechanism are in contact with or close to each other, it is also possible to configure the second push button or the first push button to be integrally attached.
[0038]
Furthermore, between the second panel 8 and the first panel 7, a pair of speakers 16 for emitting a sound toward the player in front, and a speaker as a woofer below the third panel 9. 26 is provided. The bet switch button 24 and the speakers 16 and 26 are omitted without being shown in FIG. 12 as a hardware block diagram to be described later.
[0039]
1 and 2, reference numeral 27 is provided with a medal payout port as a payout port, a medal tray 28 communicating with the medal payout port 27, and the like. When the player operates the settlement switch 25 to settle the stored medal, the medal stored in the medal tray 28 can be paid out from the medal payout port 27.
[0040]
In the lower center portion of the second panel 8, a PAY display means 29A for displaying the number of medals to be paid out by winning a combination and the number of medals stored as a characteristic part of the present invention are shown. There are provided medal storage total number display means 29B as a display unit for displaying according to the withdrawal / withdrawal status and bet display means 29C for displaying the number of inserted medals. Each of these display means 29A, 29B, 29C employs a 7-segment LED.
[0041]
(Description of hardware configuration)
Next, the hardware configuration of the slot machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0042]
In the figure, reference numeral 6 denotes control means, and the main board 4A and the sub board 4B of the control board 4 described above are collectively shown as one block. The control means 6 includes a medal detection means 30 for detecting and counting medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 20, a start detection means 31 for detecting the operation of the start lever 22, and the left, middle mentioned above. , Right reel drivers 12B, 13B, 14B and rotational position detecting means 32 connected to position detecting sensors 12C, 13C, 14C of the reels 12, 13, 14 rotated by stepping motors 12A, 13A, 14A to perform position detection. And are connected. As the position detection sensors 12C, 13C, and 14C, transmissive or reflective photosensors can be employed using through holes provided at predetermined positions of the reels 12, 13, and 14.
[0043]
Further, the control means 6 includes a left stop button switch 23A, a middle stop button switch 23B, and a stop button switch 23A for stopping the rotation of the reels 12, 13, and 14 while the reels 12, 13, and 14 are displayed in a variable manner. The right stop button switch 23C is connected via the operation input detecting means 33, and the operation input detecting means 33 detects the operation in response to the player's operation on the stop button switch 23, and this detection is detected. Accordingly, the control means 6 can control the left, middle and right reel drivers to stop the reels 12, 13 and 14.
[0044]
Next, in order for the control means 6 to electrically control the medal payout means described above, the control means 6 is connected to the control means 6 via the payout driver 34, and the settlement button is operated or the stocked medal stock number is limited to the upper limit. When the number exceeds 50 (for example, 50), the control means 6 executes control to pay out to the payout means 5 by the number of medals to be paid out.
[0045]
Similarly, the random number generation means 35, the clock generation means 36, the left reel counter 37, the middle reel counter 38, the right reel counter 39, the payout rate setting means 40, the pull-in setting means 41, and the kick setting are connected to the control means 6. The functions of the means 42, the symbol table 43, the unpaid storage means 44, and the storage means 45 will be post-operatively performed. The clock generation means 36 generates a clock signal, and the control means 6 executes programs such as various control programs and game programs stored in advance in the storage means 45 based on the clock signal. The storage means 45 has a work memory area for executing this control program.
[0046]
Further, the control means 6 functions as the lottery means 6A for performing the internal lottery regarding the formation of the winning combination in response to receiving the detection signal transmitted along with the detection of the start lever 22 operation of the start detecting means 31. The control means 6 functions as the lottery means 6A so as to execute an internal lottery (internal lottery) based on the random number operated from the random number generating means 35 in response to the operation of the start lever 22, and the lottery As a result, when a predetermined combination is established, the mechanism functions as the operation control means 6B for contracting the movable portion of the pneumatic cylinder 246 based on the control program, and the player pushes the second push button into the lock mechanism. Suppress by.
[0047]
In addition, when the lottery result is a winning combination, the control means 6 controls the reels 12, 13, and 14 as a winning when the reels 12, 13, and 14 can be stopped with a symbol set in advance according to the winning combination. The following operations are performed. The combination includes a big bonus combination, a regular bonus combination, and a plurality of small combinations.
[0048]
(Role of BB)
If the result of the lottery is the formation of a big bonus combination, a big bonus flag is set and, for example, “7” as a big bonus symbol is set when the big bonus combination predetermined in the pull-in setting means 41 is established. While referring to the number of frames to be pulled in, the control means 6 executes the reel control so that the pull-in control is aligned with the “7” in the effective lines A to E. When the symbol “7” of the big bonus combination is aligned with any one of the effective lines A to E, the control means 6 recognizes that it has stopped at a predetermined symbol corresponding to the big bonus combination, and the medal The payout control is performed. With the reel control accompanied by such pull-in control, the player visually recognizes and recognizes the regions (left reel window, middle reel window, and right reel window) for viewing the variation state / stop state of the symbol, When the stop button switches 23A, 23B, and 23C are operated aiming at the symbol to be stopped, the target symbol can be stopped even if there is a slight shift (failure) in the operation timing. The big bonus winning flag once established is different from the small bonus winning flag described later, and the big bonus winning (for the big bonus winning is not lost in one cycle game until the symbol changes and stops). The control means 6 executes the control to carry over to the next cycle game without disappearing until it can be stopped at a predetermined symbol).
[0049]
Here, counters 37, 38, 39 corresponding to the reels 12, 13, 14 are provided, and when the control means 6 outputs drive pulses to the stepping motors 12A, 13A, 14A, the corresponding counters 37, 38 are provided. , 39 is incremented by the number of drive pulses, and when the position detection sensors 12C, 13C, 14C detect the reference rotational positions of the reels 12, 13, 14, the counters 37, 38, 39 are reset. In this way, the control means 6 determines the current rotation position from the reference rotation position of the reels 12, 13, and 14 based on the count values of the counters 37, 38, and 39. However, the pull-in control as described above cannot be realized if it is not possible to determine at which symbol the rotation position can be determined. Therefore, the above-described operation input detecting means 33 and symbols are used for the determination of such a symbol. A table 43 is used. That is, the operation input detection unit 33 detects an operation on each stop button switch 23A, 23B, 23C and notifies the control unit 6 of the operation. Receiving this notification, the control means 6 moves to the notification from the operation input detection means 33 and stops drawing using the symbol table 43 storing the positional relationship between the rotational positions of the reels 12, 13, and 14 and the symbol type. Perform the action. Thus, by using the symbol table indicating which symbol is provided at which position on the outer periphery of the reels 12, 13, and 14, the above-described pull-in control and kick-off control described later can be executed. . Such pull-in control or kick-off control is a well-known technique in a slot machine generally called a pachislot in Japan.
[0050]
Also, a payout rate setting means 40 is provided as a function that can set the probability for establishment of various combinations such as the BB combination in a plurality of stages. Thus, the ability to set the payout rate of the slot machine 1 in a plurality of stages is popular in current slot machines. Thus, when winning the big bonus, the control means 6 drives the payout driver 34 to execute payout control of a predetermined number of medals.
[0051]
(RB role)
Three display areas (left reel window, middle reel window, right reel window) having a size capable of simultaneously displaying each of the three symbols of reels 12, 13, and 14 provided with a plurality of symbol rows on the outer peripheral surface In response to the fact that the RB combination is established based on the lottery result of the internal lottery, the plurality of areas (left reel window, middle reel) are displayed by the player's stop button switch 23A, 23B, 23C. Stop window can be controlled with a symbol of the RB combination as a predetermined symbol set for each combination, and the combination includes a plurality of small combinations, BB and RB. A control program is stored in the storage means 45 that has two bonus combinations and has control contents that can be in a state in which the two combinations of the RB combination and the small combination are simultaneously established as the lottery result.
[0052]
(Game control flow)
Next, an operation flow during the game in the present embodiment will be described.
[0053]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a game control procedure using the slot machine of the present embodiment.
[0054]
First, when the game is executed, the player directly inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 20 or operates one of the bet button switches 24 and then operates the start lever 22. By these operations, the start detecting means 31 detects the operation of the start lever 22, and when the control means 6 receives the detection signal transmitted in response thereto, it is determined whether or not the starting operation has been performed (step S1). ). When the control means 6 determines that the start operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S1 again. However, when it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the control means 6 has already established a winning combination in the previous game and the establishment flag is on. Is determined (step S2). In step S2, when the control means 6 determines that the establishment flag is not in the on state, the control means 6 performs an internal lottery regarding the establishment of the winning combination by the function as the lottery means 6A (step S3). Then, with respect to the lottery result of the internal lottery, a state in which any of the major roles, small roles, and replay roles including BB and RB for which the right to shift to the bonus game as the special game is provided by the control means 6 has been established It is determined whether or not (step S4). Next, when it is determined that a bonus winning combination has been established, the establishment flag is turned on (step S5). Further, in response to the fact that the establishment flag is on, the display means 21 shifts to a selection procedure for executing notification that a bonus winning combination has been established (step S6), and whether or not the control means 6 performs the notification. Is determined (step S7). As a result, when it is determined that the control means 6 performs notification, the pneumatic cylinder 246 is moved (step S8). When the pneumatic cylinder 246 is moved, the lock mechanism 245 is activated to suppress the player's pressing operation on the second push button 239. Next, it is determined by the control means 6 whether or not the winning combination is a major player such as BB or RB (step S9). If it is determined in this step S9 that the winning combination is a major player of BB or RB, a big hit game The process proceeds to the processing routine (step S10). About the jackpot game processing routine, a game flow almost similar to the conventional game flow is executed, and thus the description thereof is omitted here. Furthermore, when it is determined in step S9 that the combination for which the control means 6 has been established is not a major player, as a result of the player performing a stop operation on the stop button switch 23, a combination of symbols corresponding to the established combination is placed on the active line. Whether or not the rotation has stopped is detected by the rotational position detection means 32 (step S11). In step S11, when it is determined that the control means 6 has stopped on the active line with a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination as the detection result of the rotational position detecting means 32, the winning according to the winning of the established winning combination is determined. A predetermined number of medals are paid out from the payout means 5 by driving the payout driver 34 (step S12). Note that when the control means 6 determines that the winning combination is not established as a result of the internal lottery by the function as the lottery means 6A in step 4, the game is ended, and in step 7, the control means 6 notifies When it is determined that the game is not to be executed, the game is finished, and in step S11, it is determined that the control means 6 has not stopped on the active line with a combination of symbols corresponding to the combination established by the function as the lottery means 6A. Sometimes the game ends.
[0055]
In this embodiment, the pneumatic cylinder 246 and the contact body 248 in the lock mechanism 245 are configured to function in common with the left stop button switch 23A, the middle stop button switch 23B, and the right stop button switch 23C. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a lock mechanism may be individually provided for each of the left stop button switch, the middle stop button switch, and the right stop button switch. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the structure of a holding unit in which a lock mechanism is individually provided for each stop button switch. The structure of each stop button switch 51 (left stop button switch 51A, middle stop button switch 51B, right stop button switch 51C) shown in this embodiment includes a first push button 51A1 and a second push button 51A2. Since it is almost the same as the stop button switch of the present embodiment described above, description thereof is omitted. The lock mechanism 52 includes a first lock mechanism 52A, a second lock mechanism 52B, and a third lock mechanism that are arranged side by side in a lateral direction so that the stop button switches 51 can be independently driven independently. 52C. The first lock mechanism 52A includes a pneumatic cylinder 54 attached to the lower surface of the holding unit 53, a rod-like connection bar 55 connected to a movable part of the pneumatic cylinder 54, and an upper end portion and a center of the connection bar 55. And a contact body 56 having a substantially T-shape in plan view, which is attached to two portions of the part and contacts the lower end surface of the rod-shaped body 51A3 in the second push button 51A2. A side view L-shaped stay 57 is provided on the lower surface of the holding unit 53, and the stay 57 and the contact body 56 are locked by a tension spring 58. The contact body 56 has a form in which a plate-like body made of a metal such as stainless steel is bent twice, and one end and the other end are respectively attached to the connection bar 55.
[0056]
In such a structure, when a game situation such as a winning combination is changed, the connection bar 55 and the contact body 56 are moved by the contraction of the movable portion of the pneumatic cylinder 54, and the bar shape of the second push button 51A2 is changed. Since the clearance with the lower end surface of the body 51A3 is lost, when the player presses the pressing operation portion 51A4 of the first push button 51A1 and the second push button 51A2, the first push button 51A1 is moved to the plate. The second push button 51A2 is moved simultaneously with the first push button 51A1 while being moved downward against the upward biasing force of the spring 59 and the compression spring 60 to make an electrical connection at the electric contact portion. The second push button 51A2 has the lower end surface of the rod-like body 51A3 already in contact with the abutting body 56, and the above clearing operation is performed. Since in the absence of Nsu, without being able to move downward in the same manner as the first push button 51A1, only the second push button 51A2 is a state as to protrude. For this reason, the player presses only the first push button 51A1 in a state where the second push button 51A2 cannot be pressed, even though the stop button switch 51A is pressed as usual. . Note that the second lock mechanism 52B and the third lock mechanism have substantially the same structure as the first lock mechanism 52A described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0057]
As described above, since the lock mechanism 52 is individually provided for each stop button switch 51, it is possible to use a movable pattern of the lock mechanism 52 of a plurality of patterns according to the change contents of the game situation. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the types of established winning combinations and the movable modes of the lock mechanisms 52A, 52B, and 52C. As shown in this figure, when the BB combination is established as the lottery result of the internal lottery regarding the establishment of the combination executed by the function as the lottery means 6A, the first locking mechanism 52A and the second locking mechanism 52B are used. And the third locking mechanism 52C is moved. When the RB combination is established as the lottery result of the internal lottery regarding the establishment of the combination executed by the function as the lottery means 6A, the first lock mechanism 52A, the second lock mechanism 52B, and the third The other lock mechanism is moved without moving any one of the lock mechanisms 52C. Further, when the bell combination is established as a result of the internal lottery regarding the establishment of the combination executed by the function of the lottery means 6A, only the first lock mechanism 52A is moved, and the control means 6 is selected by the lottery means. When the cherry winning combination is established as a result of the internal lottery regarding the establishment of the winning combination executed by the function as 6A, only the second lock mechanism 52B is moved, and the control means 6 is executed by the function as the lottery means 6A. When the replay combination is established as a result of the internal lottery regarding the establishment of the established combination, only the third lock mechanism 52C is moved. As described above, the lock mechanisms 52A, 52B, and 52C are moved in a form according to the type of the established combination, so that the player can recognize that the combination is established by operating the stop button switch 51. In addition to other players, the type of the combination established by the movable state of the lock mechanisms 52A, 52B, 52C with respect to the second push buttons 51A2, 51B2, 51C2 in the stop button switches 51A, 51B, 51C is known. It becomes possible to make it recognize effectively.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the slot machine has been described as an example. However, the push button mechanism in the stop input unit of the present invention is not limited to being used in the slot machine, for example, installed in a game center or the like. The present invention can be widely applied to a push button mechanism of an amusement device such as a medal game machine provided with a display means and a stop input means, and an arcade game machine provided with a stop operation input means. For example, a plurality of display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a stop input means for stopping and displaying the plurality of display means for variably displaying by a player's stop operation, and a stop input means for the player An amusement machine comprising a prize payout means for paying out a prize to a player on the condition that a plurality of display means are stopped and displayed by a predetermined symbol set by a symbol stop operation input, wherein the stop input means Has a first push button and a second push button that can be stopped by a player's pushing operation, and the second push button is a through-hole provided at a substantially central portion of the first push button. Suitable for an amusement machine, wherein the second push button is provided with a lock mechanism that suppresses the player's pressing operation in response to a change in the game situation. It is possible to. Even in the amusement device having such a configuration, as described above, when the stop input unit is pressed while looking at the display unit, the position where the first push button and the second push button are pressed at the same time is highly probable. The second push button is arranged, and only the first push button is pushed without touching the second push button, and the second push button cannot be pushed by the operation of the lock mechanism. It is possible to reduce such a problem that the player does not notice that he / she is present.
[0059]
As another amusement device, in an amusement device provided with a display means for displaying a character image or background image appearing in a game, and an operation means for operating the character image displayed on the display means The operation means includes a first push button and a second push button that can be stopped by a player's push operation, and the second push button is located at a substantially central portion of the first push button. An amusement machine, wherein the second push button is provided with a lock mechanism that suppresses the player's pressing operation in response to a change in the game situation. It is possible to apply. According to the amusement device having such a configuration, when the game progresses while the player operates the operation means, for example, in order to notify the player that some change occurs in the game progress status, When the operating means is operated while viewing the game status of the display means, the first push button and the second push button are At the same time, the second push button is arranged at a position where there is a high probability of pushing operation, and only the first push button is pushed without touching the second push button. It is possible to reduce a problem that the player is unaware that the pressing operation cannot be performed.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the second push button can suppress the player's pressing operation by the lock mechanism in accordance with the change in the game situation, the first push button and the second push button Even if it is attempted to press both of them as usual, only the second push button cannot be pressed by the lock mechanism, so that it is possible to make the player accurately and surely recognize that the gaming situation has changed. At the same time, only the player can recognize the change in the game situation without being known by other players, and can play the game while giving a sense of superiority to the other players.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the slot machine of FIG. 1;
4 is a top view of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is a schematic view showing an internal structure of a housing of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part viewed from the side showing the structure of the stop button switch of the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part in a plan view showing the structure of a stop button switch of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining the movable state of the lock mechanism in the normal stop button switch in the present embodiment, showing a state before the player performs a pressing operation.
FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining the movable state of the lock mechanism in the normal stop button switch in the present embodiment, and shows a state when the player performs a pressing operation.
FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining a movable state of the lock mechanism in the stop button switch when a winning combination is achieved in the present embodiment, and shows a state before the player performs a pressing operation.
FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining a movable state of the lock mechanism in the stop button switch when a winning combination is achieved in the present embodiment, and shows a state when the player performs a pressing operation.
12 is a hardware block diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a game flow in the present embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of a stop button switch according to another embodiment of the present invention and showing a state in which a lock mechanism is individually provided for each stop button switch.
FIG. 15 is a relationship diagram for explaining the relationship between the types of established winning combinations and the movable forms of individually provided lock mechanisms in another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Slot machine
5 .... Payment means
6 ... Control means
6A ... lottery means
12 ... Left reel
13 ... Reel
14 ... Right reel
23 ... Stop button switch
23A ... Left reel stop button switch
23B ・ ・ Reel stop button switch
23C ・ ・ Right reel stop button switch
231 .. Holding unit
234 ... Push button
238..First push button
239 ... Second push button
243 ... Rod-shaped body
245 ・ ・ Lock mechanism
246 ・ ・ Pneumatic cylinder
248 .. Contact body
S ... Clearance

Claims (1)

A plurality of display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a lottery means for performing an internal lottery regarding the formation of a combination, and a stop input means for stopping and displaying the plurality of display means for variably displaying by a player's stop operation In response to the winning combination being established by the lottery result of the internal lottery by the lottery means, the plurality of display means are set for each of the winning combinations by the symbol stop operation input of the stop input means by the player. A slot machine comprising a prize payout means for paying a prize to a player on the condition that the display is stopped with a predetermined pattern,
The stop input means includes a plurality of stop button switches having a first push button and a second push button that can be stopped by a player's pressing operation, and the second push button is used once by the player. Is provided at a position where the first push button can be stopped simultaneously by the pressing operation, and
A lock mechanism that suppresses the player's pressing operation corresponding to the second push button of each stop button switch is provided individually ,
A slot machine comprising: an operation control unit that performs a control to operate the lock mechanism in a combination of a plurality of patterns according to a type of a combination established as a lottery result by the lottery unit.

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