JP4377367B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that controls a gaming mode using a control device such as a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer), and is mechanically driven to rotate as a variable display unit that variably displays a plurality of symbols (symbols). The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a pachinko machine, or a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, or a poker game machine provided with a mechanical display means including a reel or an electrical display means such as liquid crystal, LED, or CRT.

  For example, the control device of the slot machine detects that the stop button has been pressed while the reel is rotating, and determines the stop position of the reel based on a predetermined hit / off condition. Accordingly, the time from when the stop button is pressed until the reel actually stops is also indeterminate because it is determined from the hit / miss condition. The movement of symbols within this time (frame movement) is called “slip”, but when this “slip” time is long, the player feels “between”.

  According to the slot machine design standards, “stop the spinning cylinder within 190 msec after operating the stop button”, “the rotational speed of the spinning cylinder (reel) should not exceed 80 revolutions per minute”, “on the spinning cylinder According to the regulations such as “the number of symbols should not exceed 21”, it is as follows.

1 minute ÷ 80 rotations = 750 msec (time for the rotating cylinder to make one rotation: constant speed rotation)
750msec ÷ 21 ≒ 35.7msec (Movement time per frame: same as above)
190 msec ÷ 35.7 msec ≒ 5.3 (Number of frames that can be controlled after the stop button is operated until the cylinder stops: same as above)
In other words, theoretically, the player can control the spinning cylinder up to 5 frames after operating the stop button. However, in actuality, after the stop button is operated, up to 4 frames are generated. In this way, the player is made to visually recognize the change in the game state.

In such a slot machine, as a winning mode given to the player,
(1) A big bonus game (hereinafter referred to as “BB game”) in which a player can acquire a large amount of coins in a series of games within a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times) after a predetermined winning pattern has been prepared,
(2) A single bonus game (hereinafter referred to as “SB game”) that can be played once more after the predetermined symbols have been prepared, and
(3) There is an “SB high probability game state” in which coins acquired by the player gradually increase within a long game count due to the occurrence of the S / B game with high probability.

  Which one of these winning modes (winning) or losing in one game is of great interest to the player, especially when a winning determination is made, a specific symbol Since the stop position is limited, the “slip” time often becomes long. Therefore, the “slip” of the rotator is important for the player.

  Therefore, in the conventional slot machine, a predetermined sound (stop sound) is generated only once when the stop button is operated or the reel is stopped, in addition to making the player visually recognize “slip”. However, it is difficult for the player to recognize it by hearing because it is necessary to distinguish it from other sounds. In addition, the crotch stop is performed within an extremely short time of 0 to 190 msec. Therefore, although the difference between 0 frame and 4 frames is easy to recognize in terms of time, the “between” is short like the difference between 2 frames and 3 frames. If it is difficult to recognize visually. In addition, the "slip" of the rotator is generally used only for explosive elements such as "slide and hit" and "if it does not slip", but there are also game machines equipped with so-called "false slip" Exists. However, even in this type of gaming machine, there was no means for recognizing “false slip” or “big hit slip”.

  Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to emphasize the “slip” with a sound during the symbol stop operation, so that the time elapsed from when the stop means such as a stop button is activated until the predetermined symbol actually reaches the stop position. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a player can easily and audibly recognize a change in gaming state (for example, occurrence of an internal hit in a B / B game).

  The present invention performs a winning determination by random sampling, a variable display unit that variably displays a plurality of symbols, a stop unit that generates a stop command signal that automatically stops variable display of the variable display unit after a predetermined time by a timer, In a gaming machine comprising: a control unit that controls a variable display operation of the variable display unit based on a determination result; and a sound generation unit that generates a sound according to a sound output signal from the control unit. Sends a first sound output signal to the sound generating means at a first time point when the stop means receives a variable display stop command signal for the variable display section, and the variable display of the variable display section actually stops. A second sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means at the second time point, and the sound generating means generates a first sound in response to the first sound output signal and outputs the second sound output. A second sound is generated in response to the signal The time from when the first sound output signal is sent by the control section to when the first sound is generated by the sound generating means and after the second sound output signal is sent by the control section. The time until the second sound is generated by the sound generating means is equal.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sound and the second sound are different. Further, the control unit generates a sound output signal according to the determination result. When the winning mode is generated by the winning determination, the control unit generates a third sound output signal at the first time point. And a fourth sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means at the second time point, and the sound generating means generates a third sound in response to the third sound output signal, and the fourth sound output signal. And a fourth sound is generated in response. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the first sound, the second sound, the third sound, and the fourth sound are different from each other.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the control unit performs a winning determination by random number sampling, controls the variable display operation of the variable display unit based on the determination result, and receives a variable display stop command signal from the stop unit. At the first time point, the first sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means, and at the second time point when the variable display section actually stops, the second sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means. The sound generating means generates a first sound in response to the first sound output signal, and generates a second sound in response to the second sound output signal. By generating these sounds, the player can recognize the start and end (stop) of “slip” during the symbol stop operation. For this reason, the player knows the time elapsed from the time when the symbol starts automatic stop after a predetermined time by the timer to the time when the symbol actually reaches the stop position and the change in the game state, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

  More specifically, the player is informed whether there has been a “slip” in the reel, or if there is a “slip”, whether it is a winning mode (eg, “hit”) or “false slip”. By making it easy to recognize, for example, only when stopping at any two (for example, 15th and 9000th) combinations out of the total number of combinations (9261) of symbols on the three reels of the slot machine, “big hit” By “sliding”, the game will never get bored. Of course, it is also possible to distinguish between “big hit slip” and “false slip”. As described above, the fact that the player can easily recognize the number of “slip” frames and “big hit slip” means that the winning determination result can be easily recognized. Therefore, the present invention further improves interest in games.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, since the first sound and the second sound are different, the player not only recognizes the start and end of “slip” but also easily distinguishes the start and end by sound. Can be recognized.

  Further, when a winning mode is generated as a result of winning determination by random number sampling, the control unit sends a third sound output signal to the sound generating means at the first time point, and sends it to the sound generating means at the second time point. Send a fourth sound output signal. In response to these sound output signals, the sound generating means generates third and fourth sounds. By generating these sounds, the player not only recognizes the start and end of “slip”, but also predicts the occurrence of a winning mode and watches the combination of stop symbols with great expectation. Furthermore, in this case, by making the first, second, third, and fourth sounds different from each other, the start and end of “svelling” when the winning mode occurs for the player is audibly recognized. It will be easy.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine of the embodiment. In the central part of the main body of the slot machine 1, three reels 2, 3, 4 in which a symbol row consisting of a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) is drawn on each outer peripheral surface are rotatably installed. A variable display portion is formed. Three symbols on each of the reels 2, 3, 4 can be observed through the display windows 5, 6, 7 of the slot machine 1. On the lower right side of these display windows 5, 6, and 7, an insertion slot 8 for a player to put a coin, a medal, or a substitute money called a token as a game medium (hereinafter, the game medium will be described as a coin). Is provided.

  Below the display windows 5, 6, and 7, a BET switch 9 for betting up to 3 coins per game by a push button operation, credit / payout of coins acquired by the player (PLAY CREDIT / PAY OUT) Is switched by a push button operation, a credit / payment changeover switch 10, a start lever (switch) 11 for starting rotation of the reels 2, 3, 4 by lever operation, and each reel 2, 3 according to the player's operation , 4 are provided with stop buttons 12, 13, 14 arranged for each reel.

  In the lower part of the front of the slot machine 1, a sound generated from a speaker 43 (FIG. 4) housed inside is generated in order to generate a sound corresponding to a sound output signal generated by the control unit (FIG. 3). The coin receiving tray 17 for storing coins to be paid out from the coin payout opening 16 by switching the credit / settlement changeover switch 10 is provided. A payout table indicating whether or not the payout is made is displayed.

  The display windows 5, 6 and 7 are provided with three horizontal lines (center and top and bottom) indicated by straight lines and two diagonal winning lines. Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one coin into the coin insertion slot 8, only the central winning line is activated, and when two players are inserted, the upper and lower winning lines are added to this, All winning lines are activated when thrown. The activation of such a winning line is displayed to the player when the enabling line display lamps 19 arranged at both ends of each winning line are turned on.

  In the slot machine 1, coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 8 are detected by a coin sensor 88 (FIG. 3) installed inside the insertion slot 8. When a coin is bet by inserting the coin or operating the BET switch 9, the activation line display lamp 19 is lit as described above to indicate that the winning line has been activated.

  In this embodiment, after the player inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 8, the three reels 2, 3, and 4 are rotated simultaneously by operating the start lever 11 installed at the left end of the front. When these rotations reach a certain speed, the operation of the stop buttons 12, 13, and 14 provided corresponding to the respective reels is validated, so that the player can perform acupressure operation on these buttons. , The rotation of the corresponding reel can be stopped. At this time, if the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line activated as described above corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the number of coins corresponding to the type of the winning is paid out to the coin tray 17. .

  In this slot machine 1, three indicator lamps 82, 83, 84 are arranged in order from the left on the upper end of the front upper portion 18, while the coins that are currently credited are spaced vertically at the right end of the front center. A credit number display unit 21 for displaying the number and a prize payout number display unit 22 for displaying the number of coins paid out to the player at the time of winning are arranged, and these display units correspond to the number of digits of the numerical value to be displayed. It consists of a certain number of 7-segment LEDs. The display lamps 82, 83, and 84 repeat the blinking operation as a demonstration for notifying the state when the “SB high probability game state” occurs with a high probability. When the “SB high probability game state” is completed, these display lamps 82, 83, 84 are turned off.

  On each reel 2, 3 and 4, 21 symbols of a plurality of types as shown in FIG. 2 are arranged to constitute a symbol row. Each symbol is assigned a code number of “1 to 21” and is stored as a data table in a ROM 32 (FIG. 3) described later. Each reel 2, 3 and 4 is driven to rotate so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

  In FIG. 2, diagonal lines represent “red” like three “7” of code number 1, and meshed lines represent “blue” like “7” on the left side of code number 6. . Therefore, in the symbol row of FIG. 2, “7” has four types of red, blue, white, and ribbon. Then, when “Red 7-Red 7-Red 7” is aligned, a B / B game is generated, and when “7 with ribbon—arbitrary 7—7 with ribbon” is aligned, an S / B game is generated. The winning mode is determined by the symbol combination.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a circuit configuration including a control unit 20 that controls a game control operation and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected thereto in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment.

  In this case, the control unit 20 includes a microcomputer 30 as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program, a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are storage means, and includes a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 that generate a reference clock pulse in the CPU 31, and will be described later. Thus, a random number generator 36 and a random number sampling circuit 37 that generate random numbers to be sampled, and an I / O port 38 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an actuator described later are connected. The ROM 32 has a storage section that is partitioned to store a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and a sequence program. The contents of the table and the like stored in these storage units will be described later.

  In the circuit of FIG. 3, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 30, the reel driving mechanisms 72, 73, 74 for driving the reels 2, 3, 4 to rotate, respectively, the above-mentioned enabling line. There are a display lamp 19, a reel lamp 41, display lamps 82, 83, 84, a credit number display section 21, a winning dividend display section 22, a hopper (including a payout driving section) 40 for storing coins, and a speaker 43. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 44, a lamp drive circuit 45, a display unit drive circuit (for example, comprising a counter for counting the number of coins) 46, a hopper drive circuit 47, and a speaker drive circuit 48. These drive circuits are connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38 of the microcomputer 30. Here, the reel drive mechanisms 72, 73, 74 include a reel rotation sensor and a reel position detection circuit, which will be described later. The speaker 43 and the speaker drive circuit 48 are included in a sound generation means 80 (FIG. 4) described later, and the speaker drive circuit 48 includes the I / O port 96 of the microcomputer 90 in the sound generation means 80 and the I / O described above. It is connected to the CPU 31 via the port 38.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal includes a coin sensor 88 for detecting a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 8, and the start lever 11. A start switch 89 that detects an operation, a reel rotation sensor that generates a pulse each time the reels 2, 3, and 4 make one revolution, and a pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor that receives a pulse signal from each reel 2, 3, 4 A reel position detection circuit that generates a signal for detecting a position, a button operation signal generation circuit 50 that generates a corresponding button operation acceptance signal when the stop button 12, 13, or 14 is pressed, and a hopper 40 A coin detection unit 51 that counts the number of coins to be paid out, and a count signal from the coin detection unit 51 and the display unit drive circuit 46 described above, When the count value of the in detection unit 51 (the number of coins paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal from the display unit drive circuit 46, a signal for detecting completion of coin payout is generated. There is a payout completion signal circuit 52 that is generated, and these are also connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38. Note that the reel rotation sensor and the reel position detection circuit are included in the reel drive mechanisms 72, 73, and 74.

  In FIG. 3, a random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and a random number sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 11 is operated. The random number sampled in this way is determined to which winning group the winning probability table stored in the ROM 32 belongs.

  After the rotation of the reels 2, 3, 4 is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the reel drive mechanisms 72, 73, 74 is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. A reset pulse is obtained from the reels 2, 3, and 4 for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit. The count value of the drive pulse counted by the RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 33 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the reels 2, 3, 4.

  A symbol table is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 2, 3, and 4 with the symbols. In this symbol table, with reference to the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated as a reference, a code number that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel, and a symbol code that indicates a symbol provided for each code number, Are matched.

  Further, a winning symbol combination table is stored in the ROM 32. In this winning symbol combination table, combinations of winning symbols, the number of coins to be awarded, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other.

  The above winning symbol combination table is referred to during the stop control of the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4 and when the winning confirmation is made after all reels are stopped. The winning line is determined in advance. That is, when three coins are inserted, all winning lines are validated, but depending on the type of winning, even if a combination of symbols is obtained on a predetermined winning line, it is invalid.

  Further, the ROM 32 stores a program (sequence program) for executing a game on the slot machine 1.

  FIG. 4 shows a circuit configuration including sound generating means 80 for generating sound in accordance with the control signal generated by the control unit 20 in the embodiment and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected thereto.

  In this case, the sound generating means 80 includes a microcomputer 90 as a main component, and includes a CPU 91 that performs a control operation according to a program that will be described later, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93 that are storage means. The CPU 91 receives a sound generation signal from the clock pulse generation circuit 94 that generates the reference clock pulse, the frequency divider 95, and the I / O port 38 in the control unit, and sends the sound generation signal to the speaker drive circuit 48. I / O port 96 is connected. The speaker drive circuit 48 drives the speaker 43 according to the sound generation signal from the I / O port 96 and actually generates sound.

  3 and 4, when the start lever 11 is operated as described above, the CPU 31 sends a drive signal to the motor drive circuit 44 in response to a signal from the start switch 89 that detects the operation. The reels are driven to rotate the reels 2, 3, and 4 by the reel driving mechanisms 72, 73, and 74, and one random number is sampled from the random number generator 36 at an appropriate timing. It is determined which winning group the probability table belongs to. This determination result is either winning or losing.

  If the determination result is out, the CPU 31 receives a button operation acceptance signal sent from the button operation signal generation circuit 50 when the player operates the stop buttons 12, 13, and 14 as an example of the stop means, and the CPU 91 A “stop button reception sound output request signal” which is a specific example of the first sound output signal in the invention is sent. After receiving the button operation acceptance signal, the CPU 31 determines how many frames the reels 2, 3, and 4 are to be slid and stopped, sends a control signal to the motor drive circuit 44, and a time corresponding to the number of frames to be slid Then, a “reel stop sound output request signal” which is a specific example of the second sound output signal in the present invention is sent to the CPU 91.

  On the other hand, when the determination result is to generate a winning mode, the CPU 31 accepts a button operation sent from the button operation signal generation circuit 50 when the player operates the stop buttons 12, 13, and 14 as an example of the stop means. Upon receipt of the signal, the CPU 91 is sent a “winning stop button reception sound output request signal” which is a specific example of the third sound output signal in the present invention. After receiving the button operation acceptance signal, the CPU 31 determines how many frames the reels 2, 3, and 4 are to be slid and stopped, sends a control signal to the motor drive circuit 44, and a time corresponding to the number of frames to be slid Then, a “winning reel stop sound output request signal” which is a specific example of the fourth sound output signal in the present invention is sent to the CPU 91 thereafter.

  The “stop button reception sound output request signal”, “reel stop sound output request signal”, “winning stop button reception sound output request signal” and “winning reel stop sound output request signal” will be described in detail later. explain.

  Further, when it is determined that the winning is determined in the above winning determination, the CPU 31 determines the type of winning according to the operation signal sent from the button operation signal generating circuit 50 when the player operates the stop buttons 12, 13, and 14. A signal for stopping and controlling the reels 2, 3, and 4 is sent to the corresponding symbol display position to the motor drive circuit 44, and coin payout data corresponding to the type of winning is supplied to the display unit drive circuit 46 from the hopper 40 to a predetermined number. To pay out coins. At that time, the coin detection unit counts the number of coins to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches the number data from the display unit driving circuit 46, the payout completion signal circuit 52 issues a payout completion signal to the CPU 31. Enter. Thereby, CPU31 stops the drive of the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 47, and complete | finishes coin payout.

  The above is the outline of the game processing operation in the present embodiment. In the circuit configuration of FIG. 3, a random number generator 36 and a random number sampling circuit 37, which are separate circuits from the microcomputer 30, are used as means for random number sampling. You may comprise so that random number sampling may be performed above. In this case, the random number generator 36 and the random number sampling circuit 37 may be omitted, or may be left for backup of the random number sampling operation without being omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the CPU 91 in the sound generating means 80. First, the CPU 91 determines whether or not there is a checksum error (step ST1). If “YES” here, the process returns to the beginning. If "NO", the RAM 93 is all cleared (ST2), and signal interruption to the control program of the sound generating means 80 is permitted (ST3). Thereafter, the CPU 91 determines whether or not 8.19 msec has elapsed (ST4). If “NO”, the CPU 91 waits until 8.19 msec elapses.

  If “YES” in ST4, it is next determined whether or not a sound output request is set (ST5). The sound output request includes a “stop button reception sound output request signal” and a “reel stop sound output request signal” as will be described later with reference to FIG. If “NO” in ST5, the CPU 91 determines whether or not a mute request is set (ST6). If “YES” here, the CPU 91 clears the channel corresponding to the mute request data (ST7) and returns to the beginning, and if “NO”, returns directly to the beginning.

  If “YES” in ST5, the CPU 91 calculates a data address corresponding to the sound output request data (ST8), and reads the data address (ST9). Thereafter, the CPU 91 performs a sound output process (ST10), and determines whether or not the output of all channels is completed (ST11). If "NO" here, the next channel data address is read (ST12), and the process returns to ST9. If “YES” in ST11, the process returns to the beginning.

  Next, the sound control operation by the microcomputer 30 of the control unit 20 and the microcomputer 90 of the sound generation means 80 in the embodiment of the present invention and the relationship between them will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a case where the winning state is not achieved will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control unit 20 in the present invention. In FIG. 6, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop buttons 12, 13, and 14 have been pressed based on a button operation acceptance signal generated by the button operation signal generation circuit 50 (ST 13). This is “YES” when the stop button is pressed and the button operation signal generation circuit 50 generates a button operation reception signal. In this case, the CPU 31 sends a stop button reception sound output request signal to the sound generation means 80 ( ST14). This is a signal directed to ST18 in FIG. 7, and corresponds to ST5 in FIG. Thereafter, the stop position is determined between 0 and 4 frames that received the stop button (ST15), and when the symbol stops at the determined stop position (ST16), the CPU 31 requests the sound generating means 80 to output a reel stop sound. A signal is sent (ST17). This is a signal directed to ST18 in FIG. 7, and corresponds to ST5 in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the sound generating means 80 in the present invention. In FIG. 7, the CPU 91 determines whether or not a sound output request signal is sent from the CPU 31 (ST18). This ST18 corresponds to ST5 in FIG. If “NO” in ST18, the process returns to the beginning. If “YES”, the CPU 91 determines whether this signal is a stop button reception sound output request signal (ST14) or a reel stop sound output request signal (ST17). A determination is made (ST19). If “NO” in ST19, the CPU 91 executes another sound output process (ST20) and returns to the beginning. If “YES” in ST19, the CPU 91 determines whether or not this signal is a reel stop sound output request signal (ST21). If “NO” in ST21, the CPU 91 generates a stop button reception sound (ST22) and returns to the beginning. If “YES” in ST21, the CPU 91 determines whether or not a stop button reception sound is being generated (ST23). If “YES”, the CPU 91 silences the stop button reception sound (ST24) and stops the reels. A sound is generated (ST25). If “NO” in ST23, a reel stop sound is generated as it is (ST25). Here, ST20, 22, and 25 correspond to ST10 of FIG. After the reel stop sound is generated (ST25), the process returns to the beginning.

  FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram showing the operation of the CPU 31 and CPU 91 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the CPU 31 detects the input of the stop button switch (ST13 in FIG. 6) and sends a stop button reception sound output request signal (ST14 in FIG. 6), the time from the input of the stop button switch to the detection by the CPU 31 ( A). The CPU 91 detects a stop button reception sound output request signal from the CPU 31 (ST18 in FIG. 7), and outputs a stop button reception sound (ST22 in FIG. 7). The time from when the CPU 31 sends a stop button reception sound output request signal to when the CPU 91 detects it and when the stop button reception sound is actually generated is represented by (B).

  After the CPU 31 sends a stop button reception sound output request signal to the CPU 91, the position to actually stop is determined between 0 and 4 frames based on the hit / miss conditions (ST15 in FIG. 6), and the determined stop Wait until the position is reached (ST16 in FIG. 6), and after stopping the reel, a reel stop sound output request signal is sent to the CPU 91 (ST17 in FIG. 6). The time from when the CPU 31 sends the stop button reception sound output request signal to the CPU 91 to when the reel stop sound output request signal is sent to the CPU 91 is represented by (C), which is the above-mentioned “slip” time.

  The CPU 91 receives the reel stop sound output request signal sent by the CPU 31 (in the case of “YES” in ST21 in FIG. 7), and outputs a reel stop sound (ST25 in FIG. 7). However, as shown in FIG. If a stop button reception sound is produced at the time of sound output (“YES” in ST23 in FIG. 7), the stop button reception sound is forcibly stopped (ST24 in FIG. 7, stop button reception sound output waveform in FIG. 8). The reel stop sound is output after the broken line portion). The time from when the CPU 31 sends the reel stop sound output request signal to when the CPU 91 detects it and when the reel stop sound is actually generated is represented by (D), but the visual time (C) ) And auditory time (E) must match, so (B) and (D) are equal.

  6 to 8, the case where the winning state is not achieved has been described, but the basic operation of the CPU 31 and the CPU 91 is the same even when the winning state is achieved. That is, the stop button reception sound output request signal and the reel stop sound output request signal sent by the CPU 31 may be replaced with signals when the winning state is entered. In response to this, the stop button reception sound and the reel stop sound output from the CPU 91 may be replaced with the sounds in the winning state, respectively. The non-winning stop button reception sound, the non-winning reel stop sound, the winning stop button reception sound, and the winning reel stop sound are configured differently.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since a different sound is generated once when the stop button is operated, and once when the stop is actually performed, it is easy for the player to recognize the “slip” time by hearing, Since the sound generated at the time of winning and when not winning is different, it is easy to recognize the type of “slip”. In addition, when used together with hearing, the “slip” time can be easily recognized visually.

  In this embodiment, the stop button is used as the stopping means, but it may be automatically stopped after a predetermined time by a timer, or the stop button and automatic stop by the timer may be used in combination. In this case, the “stop button reception sound output request signal” and the “stop button reception sound” in the present embodiment may be replaced with a “predetermined time elapsed confirmation sound output request signal” and a “predetermined time elapsed confirmation sound”, respectively.

  In the first aspect, a variable display unit that variably displays a plurality of symbols, a stop unit that generates a stop command signal for stopping variable display of the variable display unit, a winning determination is performed by random number sampling, and the determination result is In a gaming machine including a control unit that controls a variable display operation of the variable display unit based on the sound generation unit that generates a sound in accordance with a sound output signal from the control unit, the control unit is variable from the stop unit. The first sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means at the first time point when the display stop command signal is received, and the second sound is sent to the sound generating means at the second time point when the variable display of the variable display section actually stops. The output signal is sent, and the sound generating means generates a first sound in response to the first sound output signal and generates a second sound in response to the second sound output signal.

  According to the first aspect, the control unit performs a winning determination by random number sampling, controls the variable display operation of the variable display unit based on the determination result, and receives a variable display stop command signal from the stop unit. At the first time point, the first sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means, and at the second time point when the variable display section actually stops, the second sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means. The sound generating means generates a first sound in response to the first sound output signal, and generates a second sound in response to the second sound output signal. By generating these sounds, the player can recognize the start and end (stop) of “slip” during the symbol stop operation. For this reason, the player knows the passage of time from the time when the stop means such as a stop button is operated until the symbol actually reaches the stop position and the change of the game state, and the interest of the game increases.

  More specifically, the player is informed whether there has been a “slip” in the reel, or if there is a “slip”, whether it is a winning mode (eg, “hit”) or “false slip”. By making it easy to recognize, for example, only when stopping at any two (for example, 15th and 9000th) combinations out of the total number of combinations (9261) of symbols on the three reels of the slot machine, “big hit” By “sliding”, the game will never get bored. Of course, it is also possible to distinguish between “big hit slip” and “false slip”. As described above, the fact that the player can easily recognize the number of “slip” frames and “big hit slip” means that the winning determination result can be easily recognized. Therefore, the present invention further improves interest in games.

The front perspective view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine of the Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the example of the symbol row | line | column arrange | positioned on three reels. The figure which shows the circuit structure of the control part of the slot machine of an Example. The figure which shows the circuit structure of the sound generation means of a slot machine. The flowchart which shows control operation of CPU of a sound generation means. The flowchart which shows the control action of the control part in an Example. The flowchart which shows the control operation of the sound generation means in an Example. The wave form diagram which shows operation | movement of CPU in an Example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine, 2, 3, 4 ... Reel, 5, 6, 7 ... Display window, 12, 13, 14 ... Stop button, 19 ... Activation line display lamp, 20 ... Control part, 21 ... Credit number display part , 22 ... Winning payout number display section, 30 ... Control section microcomputer, 31 ... Control section CPU, 32 ... Control section ROM, 33 ... Control section RAM, 34 ... Control section clock pulse generation circuit, 35 ... Control frequency divider, 36 ... random number generator, 37 ... random number sampling circuit, 38 ... control unit I / O port, 41 ... reel lamp, 44 ... motor drive circuit, 50 ... button operation signal generation circuit, 72, 73, 74 ... reel drive mechanism, 82, 83, 84 ... indicator lamps, 80 ... sound generating means, 90 ... microcomputer, 91 ... CPU, 92 ... ROM, 93 ... RAM, 94 ... clock pulse generating circuit, 9 ... divider, 96 ... I / O port.

Claims (1)

A variable display section for variably displaying a plurality of symbols;
Stop means for generating a stop command signal for automatically stopping the variable display of the variable display section after a predetermined time by a timer;
A control unit that performs a winning determination by random number sampling and controls a variable display operation of the variable display unit based on the determination result;
In a gaming machine comprising sound generating means for generating sound according to a sound output signal from the control unit,
The control unit generates a sound output signal according to the determination result,
If no winning state is generated by the winning determination, a first sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means at a first time when a variable display stop command signal for the variable display unit is received from the stopping means, A second sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means at a second time when the variable display of the variable display section actually stops;
When the winning state is generated by the winning determination, a third sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means at the first time point, and a fourth sound output signal is sent to the sound generating means at the second time point. Send
The sound generating means generates a first sound in response to the first sound output signal, generates a second sound in response to the second sound output signal, and generates a third sound output signal. A third sound is generated in response, a fourth sound is generated in response to the fourth sound output signal,
The time from when the first sound output signal or the third sound output signal is sent by the control unit to when the first sound or the third sound is generated by the sound generation means and the control and time from sent the second sound output signal or said fourth sound output signal to said second sound or the fourth sound is generated by said tone generating means is rather equal the parts ,
A gaming machine , wherein the first sound, the second sound, the third sound, and the fourth sound are different from each other .

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