JP4563467B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a variable display unit for moving and displaying various symbols such as a rotating reel.

  Conventionally, there is, for example, a slot machine as this type of gaming machine. In a general slot machine, three reels are juxtaposed behind the front panel. Various symbols are drawn on the outer periphery of each reel, and these symbols are observed through windows formed on the front panel. The slot machine game is performed depending on whether or not these predetermined combinations of symbols are aligned on the winning line.

  That is, each reel rotates in accordance with the player's operation of the start lever, and the symbols are displayed in a rotational manner in each window. When each reel reaches a certain speed, the operation of each stop switch provided corresponding to each reel becomes effective. The player operates each stop switch while observing the moving symbol with his eyes, stops the rotation of each reel, and stops and displays the desired symbol on the winning line. This switch operation by the player is called so-called “pressing”. Each reel stops rotating according to the operation timing of each stop switch. When a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the winning line at the time of the stop, a winning corresponding to the symbol combination is obtained.

  However, in the above conventional gaming machine, the reels rotate at high speed, so that the symbols observed in each window move at high speed. For this reason, it is difficult for beginners of the game to take the operation timing of the stop switch, and it is difficult to stop and display a desired symbol on the winning line by “pressing”. In addition, even the skilled game players operated the stop switches while staring at the high-speed rotating symbols, so it was easy for the eyes to get tired as the game proceeded.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems,
A reel that moves and displays various symbols with code numbers on the display window,
A start lever for starting the rotation of the reel,
A stop button to stop the rotation of the reel,
A stepping motor that rotates the reel;
Reel rotation position detecting means for detecting the rotation position of the reel;
When an operation of the start lever is detected, a pulse signal is output to the stepping motor, and each time a predetermined number of pulse signals are output, a reel rotation process for rotating the reel by rotating one symbol and a stop button operation are detected. A gaming machine comprising control means for performing a reel stop control process for stopping a rotating reel by controlling to output a pulse signal for drawing a predetermined winning symbol in a symbol for a predetermined number of symbols to a stepping motor In
Provided with a display device that displays the content accompanying the movement display of the pattern,
The reel rotation position detection means counts the number of pulse signals output by the control means with a pulse counter, and every time the output of a predetermined number of pulse signals is detected by this count value, the reel rotation position has moved by one symbol. Detect and update the count value of the symbol counter that is counted corresponding to the code number attached to the symbol that moves and displays the display window,
The control means controls the display of the display device, stops displaying the display device for the symbols of the reels already stopped in the display window , and displays only the symbols of the rotating reels on the display device. While displaying the predetermined number of symbols preceding the predetermined winning symbol on the display window, the predetermined winning symbol is displayed on the display device while being detected by the reel rotation position detecting means. It continued only, and is characterized in that the highlighting on the display device a predetermined winning symbol in the dark varied or predetermined display other than the winning symbol enlarged and or color a predetermined winning symbol.

According to this configuration, since the content accompanying the reel movement display is displayed on the display device, the player can visually recognize the design of the reel by either the reel itself or the display device which is easy to see. Here, the contents accompanying the movement display of the reel include a simulation of the reel movement display as it is, a change in the appearance of the display, a slight change related to the movement display, etc. is there. The display device includes a liquid crystal screen display device, a plasma display device, a CRT, a dot display device, a 7 segment LED, an electroluminescence display device, and the like.

  In addition, a symbol preceding the reel movement display is displayed on the display device. Therefore, by visually recognizing the display on the display device, it is possible to grasp the movement of the symbol at an early timing before the actual symbol on the reel reaches the winning line.

Further, since the predetermined winning symbol continues to be displayed on the display device in advance by the predetermined number of symbols, the predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the display device for the predetermined number of symbols .

In addition , a predetermined winning symbol is highlighted on the display device. For example, a predetermined winning symbol is enlarged or changed in color, or a display other than the predetermined winning symbol is darkened to highlight the predetermined winning symbol. Therefore, a predetermined winning symbol is easily visually recognized in the display of the display device. Therefore, the player can confirm the movement display of the predetermined winning symbol at an early timing, and can easily visually recognize the emphasized predetermined winning symbol.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the contents accompanying the reel movement display are displayed on the display device, the player can visually recognize the reel design by either the reel itself or the display device which is easy to see. I can do it. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the eye fatigue of the player, and the interest of the game is not distracted by eye fatigue.

  In addition, by displaying the symbol preceding the reel movement display on the display device, it is possible to grasp the symbol movement at an early timing before the actual symbol on the reel reaches the winning line. Therefore, if the user pushes the eyes while visually recognizing the display on the display device, even a beginner who tends to delay the operation of the stop switch can easily arrange predetermined winning symbols on the winning line.

  In addition, with a configuration in which a predetermined winning symbol is continuously displayed on the display device in advance by a predetermined number of symbols, the player can confirm the movement of the predetermined winning symbol from an early timing, and can easily perform a pushing operation.

Also, more configuration to highlight the predetermined winning symbol on the display device, a predetermined winning symbol is easier to see, even in a game beginner, easily align the predetermined winning symbol on the winning line. It is also possible to reduce the eyestrain of the player. Further, the player can confirm the movement display of the predetermined winning symbol at an early timing, and can easily visually recognize the emphasized predetermined winning symbol. For this reason, it becomes easier to align predetermined winning symbols on the winning line.

  Next, a first embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Three reels 2, 3 and 4 constituting a variable display section are rotatably provided behind the front panel 23 of the slot machine 1. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4, a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) is drawn. Three of these symbols can be observed through the display windows 5, 6 and 7 on the front of the slot machine 1, respectively. In addition, on the lower right side of the display windows 5, 6, and 7, a slot 8 is provided for a player to insert medals.

  The display windows 5 to 7 have three horizontal (center L1 and upper and lower L2A, L2B) and two diagonal lines (diagonal downward L3A, diagonally upward L3B). Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal into the medal slot 8, only the central winning line L1 is activated. When two cards are inserted, the upper and lower winning lines L2A, L2B are added to this, and when three cards are inserted, all the winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B are activated. The activation of such a winning line is displayed to the player when the enabling line display lamp 9 disposed at the end of each winning line is turned on.

  In addition, a 1 BET switch 10, a 2 BET switch 11, and a Max BET switch 12 are provided on the lower left side of the display windows 5 to 7. When medals are credited in the credit number display section 13, instead of inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 8, each push button operation of the 1BET switch 10, 2BET switch 11 and Max BET switch 12 is operated once. One, two and three medals are bet on the game, respectively. The credit number display unit 13 is composed of a number of 7-segment LEDs corresponding to the number of digits of the numerical value to be displayed, and displays the number of medals currently credited.

  Below these BET switches 10-12, a credit / payment changeover switch (C / P switch) 14 and a start lever 15 are provided, and stop buttons 16, 17, 18 is provided. By pressing the C / P switch 14, the credit / payout of medals (PLAY CREDIT / PAY OUT) can be switched. Further, the rotation of the reels 2, 3, 4 starts all at once by the lever operation of the start lever 15. The stop buttons 16, 17, and 18 are arranged corresponding to the reels 2, 3, and 4, and when the rotation of each reel reaches a certain speed, the operation is validated, and the player presses the button. In response, the rotation of each reel is stopped.

  In addition, a sound transmission hole 19 and a medal tray 20 are provided at the lower front portion of the slot machine 1. The sound transmission hole 19 is used to output sound generated from a speaker housed inside. The medal tray 20 stores medals paid out from the medal payout opening 21. In addition, a payout display section 22 showing how many medals are paid out for each winning is provided in the upper front portion of the slot machine 1.

  A liquid crystal display unit 24 is provided on the right front panel 23 of each reel 2, 3, 4. The liquid crystal display unit 24 is a display device that simulates the movement display, that is, the rotation display of the reels 2, 3, and 4, and constitutes a sub display means.

  FIG. 2 shows symbol rows drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 2, 3, and 4. Each symbol row is composed of 21 symbols of a plurality of types, and corresponds to reels 2, 3, and 4 in order from the left in the figure. Each symbol is assigned a code number of “0-20”, and each reel 2, 3, 4 is driven to rotate so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

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

  The control unit includes a microcomputer 30 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) as a main component, and is configured by adding a circuit for sampling random numbers. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are storage means. Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a random number sampling circuit 37 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. ing.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 include stepping motors 2M, 3M, and 4M that rotationally drive the reels 2, 3, and 4, a hopper 38 that stores medals, a liquid crystal display unit 24, and a speaker 39. There is. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 40, a hopper drive circuit 41, a display drive circuit 42, and a speaker drive circuit 43, respectively. These drive circuits 40 to 43 are connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port of the microcomputer 30. Each of the stepping motors 2M to 4M is subjected to 1-2 phase excitation by the motor drive circuit 40, and rotates once when a drive signal of 400 pulses is supplied.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal includes a start switch 15S for detecting the operation of the start lever 15 and a medal inserted from the medal slot 8. The inserted medal sensor 8S for detecting the C / P switch 14 and the C / P switch 14 described above. There is also a reel position detection circuit 44 that receives an output pulse signal from a reel rotation sensor (not shown) and detects the rotation position of each reel 2, 3, 4. The reel rotation sensor and the reel position detection circuit 44 are included in the drive mechanisms of the reels 2, 3, and 4 in the figure.

  The reel rotation sensor generates a reset pulse every time each of the reels 2, 3 and 4 makes one rotation. This reset pulse is output at the on-edge of the motor index pulse signal, that is, when the pulse signal rises from a low level to a high level. The reset pulse output from the reel rotation sensor is given to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 44.

  In the RAM 33, for each of the reels 2 to 4, the count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation is stored as will be described later. When the CPU 31 receives the reset pulse, the count value formed in the RAM 33 is stored. The count value is cleared to “0”. By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 2M to 4M is eliminated every rotation.

  Further, the input signal generating means includes a reel stop signal circuit 45 and a payout completion signal generating circuit 46. The reel stop signal circuit 45 generates a signal for stopping the corresponding reels 2, 3, 4 when the stop buttons 16, 17, 18 are pressed. Further, the medal detection unit 47 counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 38, and the payout completion signal generation circuit 46 determines that the medal count value actually paid out inputted from the medal detection unit 47 is the predetermined payout number data. When it reaches, the CPU 31 outputs a signal notifying the completion of the medal payout.

  The ROM 32 stores game processing procedures executed in the slot machine 1 as a sequence program, and stores a winning determination table, a symbol table, and a winning symbol combination table.

  The winning determination table stores data for dividing a predetermined range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 36 into each winning mode. It is determined to which group of the section one random value specified by the sampling circuit 37 belongs, and a winning mode is determined.

  The symbol table is conceptually shown in FIG. This symbol table associates the rotational positions of the reels 2 to 4 with the symbols, and represents the symbol sequence shown in FIG. 2 with symbols. This symbol table stores a code number and a symbol code. The code number is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel on the basis of the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated. The symbol code indicates a symbol provided corresponding to each code number.

  In the example shown in the figure, for example, when the first reel 2 stops at the rotational position of the code number “6” from the reference position, the symbol “Plum” corresponding to the code “E” is displayed at the center of the display window 5. The symbols “bar” and “bell” corresponding to the codes “G” and “F” respectively appear above and below.

  Further, in the winning symbol combination table, symbols constituting “reach eyes” that indicate to the player that a symbol code of each winning symbol combination shown in the payout display section 22 and a flag indicating that a specific game has occurred are established. A combination symbol code, a prize determination code representing each prize, a prize medal payout number, and the like are stored. This winning symbol combination table is referred to when the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4 are stopped and when winning confirmation after all reels are stopped.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine controlled by the microcomputer 30 in this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of this game process.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a medal BET has been made (step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1). This determination is “YES” when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 8 and a detection signal is input from the medal sensor 8S, or when a signal is input from the BET switches 10, 11, and 12. In that case, it is then determined whether or not a start signal is input from the start switch 15S by operating the start lever 15 (ST2).

  When this determination is “YES”, a winning determination is made by the CPU 31 (ST3), and subsequently, the reels 2, 3, and 4 are rotated (ST4). The winning determination is performed at an appropriate timing after the start lever 15 is operated, and one random number value generated by the random number generator 36 and specified by the sampling circuit 37 belongs to which winning group in the winning determination table. This is done by determining whether it is a value.

  Stop control of the reels 2, 3 and 4 is performed according to the type of the winning flag set as a result of the winning determination (ST5). Next, it is determined with reference to the winning symbol combination table whether or not the display at the time of reel stop is a predetermined winning symbol combination (ST6). When no winning is obtained, “NO” is determined, and the process returns to the first ST1. If the result of the winning determination is a replay game, the process returns to the operation waiting process for the start lever 15 in ST2 (ST7). When winning a prize other than the replay game, a predetermined number of medals are paid out by the hopper 38 (ST8).

  Next, the reel rotation process in ST4 and the reel stop control in ST5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In reel processing such as reel rotation and stop, first, initial setting processing for starting rotation is performed (ST11). In this processing, processing such as setting of an initial value used for rotation control of each of the reels 2 to 4 and clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 33 is performed. Next, a pulse is output from the motor drive circuit 40 to each of the stepping motors 2M to 4M, and each of the motors 2M to 4M is rotationally driven and accelerated (ST12). When each of the reels 2 to 4 reaches a constant speed by this acceleration process, the process shifts to a constant speed rotation process (ST13) for rotating the reels 2 to 4 at a constant speed. Thereafter, deceleration processing (ST14) is performed, pulse output to each motor 2M to 4M is stopped, and rotation of each reel 2 to 4 is stopped. This deceleration process (ST14) is a process corresponding to ST5 in FIG.

  The constant speed rotation process of ST13 is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The constant speed rotation process starts with a determination process (ST21) of whether or not the on-edge of the motor index signal of each of the stepping motors 2M to 4M is detected, that is, whether or not each reel 2 to 4 has rotated once. It is done. If no on-edge is detected in the motor index signal, the pulse count of the pulse counter is updated and counted up (ST22).

  This pulse counter is formed in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 corresponding to each of the reels 2 to 4, and the number of pulses output from the motor drive circuit 40 to each of the stepping motors 2M to 4M is determined for each reel 2 to 4 in FIG. To remember. Each reel 2-4 rotates once by 400 pulses, and 21 symbols with code numbers 0-20 are drawn on each reel 2-4. Therefore, when 400/21 pulses are supplied to the motors 2M to 4M, the symbols are displayed by moving one frame. However, since this 400/21 pulse is a 19.047 pulse and cannot be divided, actually 20 frames are displayed with 19 pulses and one frame is displayed, and the remaining one symbol is displayed. One frame is displayed with 20 pulses.

  Next, it is determined whether the count value of the pulse counter is 19 or 20 and the pulse output for moving and displaying one frame is completed (ST23). If this pulse count has not been completed yet, one drive pulse is output to each of the stepping motors 2M to 4M (ST26). With this pulse output, each of the reels 2 to 4 rotates by 0.9 ° (= 360 ° / 400 pulses).

  In ST23, the count value of the pulse counter becomes 19 or 20, and when the pulse count is completed, the count of the symbol counter is updated and counted up (ST24). This symbol counter is also formed in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 corresponding to each of the reels 2 to 4. The count value of the symbol counter corresponds to the code number of the symbol table (see FIG. 4). When this count value is incremented by 1, this corresponds to the symbol display of each reel 2 to 4 being moved by one frame.

  When the symbol count is updated, the count value of the pulse counter is initialized and returned to 0 (ST25), and preparations are made to count the number of pulses to be moved and displayed for the next one frame. Thereafter, one drive pulse is output from the motor drive circuit 40 to each of the stepping motors 2M to 4M (ST26), and each of the reels 2 to 4 rotates by 0.9 °.

  When the reel motor drive pulse is output in ST26, next, the count value of the symbol counter is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the display symbol is a predetermined symbol, for example, “7” (ST28). This determination is made by referring to the symbol table based on the count value of the symbol counter, that is, the code number. For example, for the first reel 2, when the count value of the symbol counter is 0, 10, and 17, the display symbol is “7”, which corresponds to this predetermined symbol.

  If the display symbol is not a predetermined symbol, then the liquid crystal display unit 24 is synchronously driven and displayed by the display drive circuit 42 (ST29). That is, the same symbols as the symbol display of each of the reels 2 to 4 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 in synchronization with the display of the rotation of each reel 2 to 4. If the display symbol is a predetermined symbol in ST28, the display of the predetermined symbol on the liquid crystal display unit 24 is emphasized and the synchronous rotation drive display is performed (ST30).

  This highlighting is performed, for example, by enlarging and displaying a predetermined winning symbol or changing the display color of the predetermined winning symbol. Also, the predetermined winning symbol can be highlighted by darkening the display other than the predetermined winning symbol.

  When the reels 2 to 4 are rotationally driven in this way and the count value of the symbol counter reaches from 0 to 20 for one rotation, the on-edge of the motor index signal is detected in ST21. When this on-edge is detected, the count value of the symbol counter is initialized and reset to 0 (ST27). In ST25, the count value of the pulse counter is also initialized and reset to 0, and then the above-described processing is continued in the same manner.

  FIG. 11A shows an example of symbols that are moved and displayed on the reels 2 to 4 and the liquid crystal display unit 24 by such constant speed rotation processing. On the liquid crystal display unit 24, the movement display of the reels 2 to 4 is displayed synchronously, and the symbol “7” is enlarged and highlighted.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since the rotation display of the reels 2 to 4 is also displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24, the player can display either the reel itself or the liquid crystal display unit 24 with one of the easy-to-see displays. The symbols on reels 2 to 4 can be visually recognized. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the predetermined winning symbol such as the symbol “7” is highlighted on the liquid crystal display unit 24, the predetermined winning symbol is easily visually recognized in the rotation display of the reels 2 to 4.

  For this reason, if the user pushes the eyes while visually checking the display on the liquid crystal display unit 24, even a beginner in a game can easily align predetermined winning symbols on the winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B. In addition, a game player can enjoy the advantage that the eyes are less likely to become tired even if the game is played for a long time.

  Next, a second embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the slot machine 1 described above will be described.

  The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment described above is that the constant-speed rotation processing of each reel 2 to 4 is different. That is, the constant speed rotation processing of the reels 2 to 4 in the present embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 from ST21 to ST27, and the next processing is different.

  That is, after the reel motor drive pulse output process is performed in ST26, the count value of the symbol counter is incremented by 1 (ST31). Next, the liquid crystal display unit 24 is driven to rotate in advance by the display driving circuit 42 (ST32). That is, since the count value of the symbol counter is incremented by one by the processing of ST31, the count value of the symbol counter read by the display driving circuit 42 is the code number of the symbol advanced by one frame. Therefore, the symbol advanced by one frame is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 prior to the display of the reels 2 to 4. Next, the count value of the symbol counter is decremented by 1 (ST33), and the count value of the symbol counter is returned to the original value for the next reel motor rotation drive.

  According to such a reel constant speed rotation process, symbols are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 prior to the display of the reels 2 to 4 as shown in the example of FIG. For example, when attention is paid to the symbol “7”, the symbol “7” is observed at the top of the windows 5 to 7 in each of the reels 2 to 4, but is displayed in the middle in the liquid crystal display unit 24. .

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by visually recognizing the display on the liquid crystal display unit 24, the actual symbols drawn on the outer circumferences of the reels 2 to 4 before reaching the winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B. The movement of the symbol can be grasped at an early timing. For this reason, if the user presses the eyes while visually checking the display on the liquid crystal display unit 24, even a beginner who tends to delay the operation of the stop switches 16 to 18 can easily align predetermined winning symbols on the winning line. .

  Next, a third embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the slot machine 1 described above will be described.

  The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment described above is that the constant-speed rotation processing of each reel 2 to 4 is different. That is, the constant speed rotation processing of the reels 2 to 4 in this embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 from ST21 to ST27, and the next processing is different.

  That is, after the reel motor drive pulse output process is performed in ST26, the count value of the symbol counter is incremented by 1 (ST34). Next, the count value of the symbol counter is referred to the symbol table, and it is determined whether or not the display symbol is a predetermined symbol, for example, “7” (ST35). If the display symbol is not a predetermined symbol, the liquid crystal display unit 24 is then displayed in a pre-rotation drive display by the display drive circuit 42 (ST36). That is, since the count value of the symbol counter is incremented by one by the process of ST34, the symbol that is one frame ahead of the display of each reel 2 to 4 is rotationally displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24.

  If the display symbol is a predetermined symbol in ST35, the display of the predetermined symbol by the liquid crystal display unit 24 is emphasized and driven in advance (ST37). Next, the count value of the symbol counter is decremented by 1 (ST38), and the count value of the symbol counter is returned to the original value.

  According to such reel constant speed rotation processing, as shown in the example of FIG. 11C, symbols are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 prior to the display of the reels 2 to 4, and predetermined symbols are displayed. The symbol is enlarged and highlighted. For example, when attention is paid to the symbol “7”, the symbol “7” is observed at the top of the windows 5 to 7 in each of the reels 2 to 4, but is displayed in the middle in the liquid crystal display unit 24. . In addition, the symbol “7” is enlarged and highlighted.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the player can confirm the movement display of the predetermined winning symbol at an early timing, and can easily visually recognize the emphasized predetermined winning symbol. For this reason, if the user pushes the eyes while visually checking the display on the liquid crystal display unit 24, even a beginner in a game can more easily align predetermined winning symbols on the winning line. Further, by highlighting the predetermined symbol, the player's eye fatigue is reduced.

  Next, a fourth embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the slot machine 1 described above will be described.

  The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment described above is that the constant-speed rotation processing of each reel 2 to 4 is different. That is, the constant speed rotation processing of the reels 2 to 4 in this embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  Also in this constant speed rotation process, it is first determined whether or not the on-edge of the motor index signal of each of the stepping motors 2M to 4M is detected (ST21). If no on-edge is detected in the motor index signal, the pulse count of the pulse counter is updated and counted up (ST22). Next, it is determined whether the count value of the pulse counter is 19 or 20 and the pulse output for moving and displaying one frame is completed (ST23). When the pulse count has not been completed yet, one drive pulse is output to each of the stepping motors 2M to 4M (ST46), and each of the reels 2 to 4 is rotated by 0.9 °.

  In ST23, the count value of the pulse counter becomes 19 or 20, and when the pulse count ends, the symbol counter counts up by 4 (ST41). Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the counted-up symbol counter is a code number of a predetermined symbol, for example, symbol “7” (ST42). If it is not the predetermined symbol, the count value of the symbol counter is decremented by 4 (ST43), and the count value of the symbol counter is returned to the original value.

  In the case of a predetermined symbol, after the count value of the display counter is set to 4 (ST44), the count value of the symbol counter is counted down by four. This display counter is also formed in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. Next, following the processing of ST43, the count value of the pulse counter is initialized and returned to 0 (ST45), and a pulse count is prepared for moving and displaying the symbol by the next one frame.

  Next, one drive pulse is output from the motor drive circuit 40 to each of the stepping motors 2M to 4M (ST46), and each of the reels 2 to 4 is rotated by 0.9 °. Next, it is determined whether or not the count value is set in the display counter (ST47). When the count value is not set in the display counter, the liquid crystal display unit 24 is synchronously rotated and displayed by the display drive circuit 42 (ST48), and the same symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal in synchronization with the symbol display of each reel 2-4. The part 24 is rotated and displayed.

  Further, when the count value is set in the display counter in ST47, a predetermined pattern, for example, the symbol “7” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 (ST49). Then, the count value of the display counter is decremented by 1 (ST50).

  When the reels 2 to 4 are rotationally driven in this way and the count value of the symbol counter reaches 0 to 20 and makes one rotation, the on-edge of the motor index signal is detected in ST21, and the count value of the symbol counter is initialized. Is reset to 0 (ST27). In ST45, the count value of the pulse counter is also initialized and reset to 0, and then the above-described processing is continued in the same manner.

  FIG. 11D shows an example of symbols that are moved and displayed on the reels 2 to 4 and the liquid crystal display unit 24 by such constant speed rotation processing.

  In this example, the stop button 16 is operated, and the symbol “7” is stopped and displayed at the bottom of the window 5 where the first reel 2 is observed. Further, the stop button 17 is operated, and the symbol “7” is stopped and displayed in the middle of the window 6 where the second reel 3 is observed. Therefore, the same symbols as the reels 2 and 3 are stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 in areas corresponding to the first reel 2 and the second reel 3.

  The third reel 3 is being controlled by the above-described constant speed rotation process, and “Plum” is displayed at the uppermost stage of the window 7 where the third reel 4 is observed. This “plum” is located at the code number “4” of the symbol table (see FIG. 4). As can be understood from the symbol row in FIG. 2, this “plum” is located four frames before the symbol “7” located at the code number “8” of the third reel 4.

  In the above-described constant speed rotation process, this symbol “7” is a predetermined symbol. Accordingly, in the constant speed rotation process described above, “Plum” is displayed at the top of the window 7 where the third reel 4 is observed as shown in FIG. 11D, and the count value of the symbol counter is displayed in the process of ST41. When the count is incremented by 4, the count value of the symbol counter becomes “8”, and the symbol count indicates the symbol “7” which is a predetermined symbol. Accordingly, the count value of the display counter is set to 4 by the process of ST44, and the symbol “7” is displayed in the area corresponding to the third reel of the liquid crystal display unit 24 as shown in FIG. 11D by the process of ST49. .

  The display of the symbol “7” is performed until the display count is counted down to 4 by the process of ST50. Since the display count becomes 0 when 4 is counted, it is determined that the display count is reset in the process of ST47, and the display of the symbol “7” is ended. Accordingly, the symbol “7” of the four frames during the display time is stopped and displayed on the uppermost stage of the area corresponding to the third reel of the liquid crystal display unit 24.

  When a specific prize such as a big bonus game is generated by the random number lottery described above and this prize flag is set, the CPU 31 performs a pull-in control process for four frames in the reel stop control process. That is, the reel is controlled to stop so that the specific symbol is stopped even if the timing of operating the stop button is shifted by 4 frames.

  Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed from the previous four frames on the liquid crystal display unit 24. Therefore, if the player operates the stop button 18 while viewing the liquid crystal display unit 24, The buttons can be operated with a margin. As described above, in this embodiment, the predetermined winning symbol continues to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 in advance by four frames, so that the player can confirm the movement of the predetermined winning symbol from an early timing and perform a pressing operation. It becomes easy.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where all the symbols corresponding to the three reels 2 to 4 are simultaneously displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 has been described. However, the liquid crystal display for the stopped reels is stopped, and the rotating reels are stopped. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only liquid crystal display is performed.

  For example, when none of the stop buttons 16 to 18 is operated and all the reels 2 to 4 are rotating, the symbols of the three reels 2 to 4 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24. When the stop button 16 is operated and the first reel 2 is stopped, only the symbols of the second and third reels 3 and 4 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24. Thereafter, when the stop button 17 is also operated to stop the second reel 3, only the symbol of the third reel 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24.

  In such a display form, the number of symbols to be displayed sequentially decreases, so that the symbols can be displayed in large order, and the display on the liquid crystal display unit 24 becomes easier to see and operate buttons, and at the same time, the player Reduces eye fatigue.

  In each of the above embodiments, the symbol “7” is described as a predetermined symbol, but the predetermined symbol is not limited to this symbol. For example, another symbol such as “Plum” or “Bell” that benefits the player may be used as a predetermined symbol.

  In each of the above embodiments, the liquid crystal display unit 24 is arranged on the horizontal panel 23 of the reels 2 to 4. However, the arrangement position of the liquid crystal display unit 24 is not limited to this example. It can also be arranged on the display unit 22.

  Further, the number of symbols and the number of symbol columns constituting one symbol column are not limited to those described in the above embodiment, and can be arbitrarily determined.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a ball game using a rotating reel such as a pachinko machine. You may apply to the machine.

  Even when a gaming machine is realized with each of these configurations, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

It is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing symbol rows drawn on an outer peripheral surface of a reel of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 conceptually shows a symbol table used for the gaming process of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a game process of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of reel processing of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart showing a constant-speed rotation process of the reel in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a constant-speed rotation process of a reel in the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the constant speed rotation process of the reel in the slot machine by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the constant speed rotation process of the reel in the slot machine by the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the symbol displayed on each reel and a liquid crystal display part by the reel constant speed rotation process by each embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine 2, 3, 4 ... Reel 5, 6, 7 ... Window 8 ... Medal slot 9 ... Activation line display lamp 10, 11, 12 ... BET switch 14 ... Credit / payment changeover switch 15 ... Start lever 16 , 17, 18 ... Stop button 20 ... Medal tray 21 ... Medal payout port 22 ... Dividend display unit 23 ... Front panel 24 ... Liquid crystal display unit (sub-display means)
L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B ... winning line

Claims (1)

A reel that moves and displays various symbols with code numbers on the display window,
A start lever for starting the rotation of the reel,
A stop button for stopping the rotation of the reel;
A stepping motor for rotating the reel;
Reel rotation position detecting means for detecting the rotation position of the reel;
When the operation of the start lever is detected, a pulse signal is output to the stepping motor. Every time a predetermined number of pulse signals are output, the reel is rotated by one symbol to rotate the reel, and the stop button is operated. A control means for performing a reel stop control process for stopping the rotating reel by controlling to output to the stepping motor a pulse signal for drawing a predetermined winning symbol in the symbol by a predetermined number of symbols. In a gaming machine configured with
A display device for displaying contents accompanying the moving display of the design,
The reel rotation position detection means counts the number of pulse signals output from the control means by a pulse counter, and the reel rotation position is detected by one symbol each time the output of the predetermined number of pulse signals is detected by the count value. Detecting that it has moved, and updating the count value of the symbol counter that is counted corresponding to the code number attached to the symbol that moves and displays the display window;
The control means controls the display of the display device, and in the display by the display device, stops the display of the display device for the symbol of the reel that has already stopped in the display window, and the reel that is rotating The reel rotation position detecting means detects that only the symbols are displayed on the display device, and the symbols corresponding to the predetermined number of symbols preceding the predetermined winning symbol are moved and displayed on the display window. during and has the predetermined winning symbol displayed on the display device connection only, winning of the predetermined in the dark expanded with or varied or display other than the predetermined winning symbol color of the predetermined winning symbol A gaming machine, wherein a design is highlighted on the display device .

Images