JPH0824736B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention, when starting a plurality of reels and then individually stopping the reels by operating a stop button switch,
The present invention relates to a slot machine in which winning or non-winning is determined by a combination of symbols arranged on any of the activated stop lines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional slot machine, in order to execute a game, a player inserts a desired number of medals into a medal insertion slot and then operates a starting lever to rotate all three reels simultaneously. After that, the stop button switch for each reel is pushed at an appropriate timing to sequentially stop each rotating reel.

It is possible to insert one to three medals into the medal insertion slot, and if the number of inserted medals is one, one of the five stop lines will be the central stop line. If the number of inserted medals is two, the two upper and lower stop lines are also effective, and if the number of inserted medals is three, two diagonal stop lines are also effective. When a predetermined combination of symbols is generated on any of the stopped lines, a winning is achieved, and a payout according to the combination of symbols is made.

However, in the case of the conventional slot machine, the player has to insert a medal for each game, and the game operation is very complicated. Therefore, recently, prior to the execution of the game, by successively inserting a large number of medals into the medal insertion slot, the game executable frequency (in this case,
A slot machine that stores a single medal corresponds to one frequency) and thereafter executes a game by consuming a desired frequency of the game executable frequency by a simple push button operation. It was commercialized.

In this type of slot machine, one push button operation is required when consuming once to activate one stop line, and two push buttons operation is required to activate three stop lines. When it is desired to activate the five stop lines by consuming the push button operation three times three times, the push button operation is performed three times, respectively.

[0006]

However, even in the above slot machine, although the operation of inserting medals for each game can be omitted, it is necessary to perform the push button operation as many times as the consumption frequency for each game, which simplifies the game operation. The technical goal of becoming more efficient cannot be achieved.

Therefore, the applicant previously proposed a slot machine in which a push button switch is provided for each consumption frequency, and when one of the push button switches is pressed, the consumption frequency of the push button switch is set and the game is started. Did (actual Kaihei 1
-138490). However, in this type of slot machine, when starting the game for each game, it is necessary to select a push-button switch according to the consumption frequency from among the plurality of push-button switches and push the switch. is there.

The object of the present invention is to enable the game to be started with the same and single game operation regardless of the consumption frequency, thereby realizing a great simplification of the game operation and prevention of erroneous operation. The point is to provide a slot machine.

Another object of the present invention is to
Game feasible frequency and consumption frequency set by the player
Is not zero and the game executable frequency is
When the power consumption becomes lower than the above power consumption, the power consumption is automatically rewritten to ensure proper operation of the machine.
It is in.

[0010]

Still another object of the present invention is to notify the player of the fact that the game feasible frequency becomes lower than the consumption frequency set by the player and to optimize the consumption frequency. The point is to provide a slot machine that can be encouraged.

[0012]

The invention according to claim 1 is provided with a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are represented, and when the reel is stopped, one of the activated stop lines of the plurality of stop lines is activated. In a slot machine in which winning or non-winning is determined by a combination of symbols arranged above, a storage means for storing a game feasible frequency to be added by a deposit or a payout at the time of winning, and for selecting a consumption frequency for each game and selection means, and registering means for registering the consumption power of each game, the game by the selection means
When consumption frequency for each is selected, a writing means for writing the consumption power as a condition in the registration means that consumption power selected is a game executable degrees or less, which is stored in the storage means, said storage Monitoring means for constantly monitoring whether or not the game executable frequency stored in the means and the consumption frequency registered in the registration means are both zero and the game executable frequency is equal to or higher than the consumption frequency. And the monitoring means displays the game executable frequency
When it is detected that none of the consumption frequencies is zero and the game executable frequency is lower than the consumption frequency,
Registration data rewriting means for rewriting the registration data of the registration means to zero or the game executability, operation means operated by a player to instruct execution of each game, and each time the operation means is operated The reel can be driven on the condition that the game executable frequency stored in the storage means and the consumption frequency registered in the registration means are not zero, and the number of stop lines corresponding to the consumption frequency is enabled. An arithmetic control unit for updating the contents of the storage unit by subtracting the consumption frequency from the game executable frequency.

[0013]

The invention according to claim 2 is the structure of claim 1.
In addition to the monitoring means the game executable power before
The slot machine is provided with a notifying means for notifying the player of the shortage of the game executable frequency when it is detected that none of the consumption frequencies is zero and the game executable frequency is smaller than the consumption frequency .

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

When the player selects the consumption frequency for each game prior to executing the game, if the selected consumption frequency is less than or equal to the game executable frequency, this consumption frequency is registered.
Since the game can be executed every time with the set consumption frequency by the same and single operation, the game operation is greatly simplified and the erroneous operation can be prevented. Run the game again
Both the possible frequency and the consumption frequency set by the player
When is the and the game executable frequency not zero becomes smaller than the consumption power, the registration data of consumed power by the registration data rewriting means so rewritten to zero or game executable degrees, the game executable power is insufficient The machine will not operate in this state .

[0018]

[0019]

In the slot machine according to the invention of claim 2 , the game executable frequency and the consumption set by the player are set.
When none of power there is and the game executable frequency not zero becomes smaller than the consumption power, because the fact is informed to the player it can be prompted to optimize operation of the consumption power.

[0021]

[0022]

1 shows the appearance of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This slot machine 1 has three reels 3a, 3b, 3c each having a plurality of symbols displayed on its peripheral surface, and a symbol display window 4, a frequency indicator 5, a medal slot on the front of the machine body 2. 6, start lever 7, warning indicator 8, selection button switches 9A, 9B, 9
C, stop button switches 10a, 10b, 10c, a settlement button switch 11, a medal discharge port 12, a medal tray 13, and the like are provided.

The symbol display window 4 has three reels 3 each.
a, 3b, 3c are located, the rotation state of each reel 3a, 3b, 3c can be seen through the symbol display window 4, and when the reels 3a, 3b, 3c are stopped, three reels of each reel Symbols are aligned and arranged on the upper, middle, lower, and diagonal stop lines d _{1 to} d ₅ . Further, in the symbol display window 4, line display lamps L _{1 to} L ₅ for illuminating and displaying the activated stop lines are provided at positions corresponding to the respective stop lines d _{1 to} d ₅ (left end position in the illustrated example). ing.

The starting lever 7 includes three reels 3a, 3
b, 3c for starting all at once, and the three stop button switches 10a, 10b, 10c are for the corresponding reel 3
This is for individually stopping a, 3b, and 3c.

The medal insertion slot 6 is a portion for inserting a large number of medals prior to the execution of the game, and the medal receiving tray 13 accommodates the medals ejected from the medal ejection opening 12 when the medals are settled.

The deposit number display 5 is for digitally displaying the number of medals continuously inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, that is, the game executable frequency N, and the display value is the number of medals inserted or at the time of winning. It is updated according to the dividend.

The selection button switches 9A, 9B and 9C are for selecting and setting the consumption frequency X for each game. When the selection button switch 9A is pressed, the consumption frequency is "1".
When the selection button switch 9B is pressed, the consumption frequency is "2".
When the selection button switch 9C is pressed, the consumption frequency is "3".
, Respectively.

[0028] Each stop line _d 1 to d ₅ of said central stop line _{d 1} when the consumption power X is set to "1"
But also on the time which is set to "2", in, each stop of the lower line d _2, d _1, d _3, on when set to further "3", in the lower, oblique each Stop lines d ₂ , d ₁ , d
₃ , d ₄ , d ₅ are respectively activated, and a predetermined symbol combination is generated on one of the activated stop lines, whereby the display value of the frequency indicator 5 is incremented according to the payout. To be done.

The warning indicator 8 indicates that the game executable frequency N is not zero and the selection button switches 9A, 9B, 9
When it becomes smaller than the consumption frequency X set by C,
This is for notifying the player of the shortage of the game executable frequency N. In this embodiment, the character "Insufficient medals" is displayed at the timing of lighting by the blinking operation of the lamp. .

The settlement button switch 11 is used to settle the game feasible frequency N and request the return of medals. When the settlement button switch 11 is pressed, the number of medals corresponding to the game feasible frequency N will be generated. It is released to the medal tray 13.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the circuit configuration of the slot machine having the above configuration. In the figure, a control unit 15 composed of a microprocessor or the like has a configuration in which a CPU 16 is connected via a bus 19 to a ROM 17 for storing programs and fixed data and a RAM 18 used as a work area.

As shown in FIG. 3, the RAM 18 is provided with an area 33 for storing the game executable frequency N and an area 34 for registering the consumption frequency X. The CPU 16 is the main body of control / calculation, and the ROM 17
The program is decoded and executed to read / write data from / to the RAM 18, and the operation of each input / output device is controlled in series through the I / O ports 20 and 21.

The I / O ports 20 and 21 are connected to the medal detector 22 and the starting lever switch 2 as input / output devices.
3, stop button switches 10a, 10b, 10c, selection button switches 9A, 9B, 9C, settlement button switch 11, medal ejector 24, reel drive mechanism 25, lighting display circuit 26-
30, a blinking display circuit 31, a number display circuit 32, etc. are connected.

The medal detector 22 detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 6 and outputs a medal detection signal. The starting lever switch 23 outputs a starting lever switch signal by operating the starting lever 7. Stop button switches 10a, 10b, 10c, selection button switches 9A, 9
The B, 9C, and settlement button switches 11 are as described above, and when they are pressed, the respective switch signals are output.

The medal ejecting machine 24 is equipped with a hopper for accommodating medals inserted through the medal inserting slot 6, and the machine body 2
It is provided inside and is driven at the time of payment to send out the number of medals corresponding to the game executable frequency N from the hopper and discharge them to the medal discharge port 12. Reel drive mechanism 25
Has three stepping motors connected to the respective reels 3a, 3b, 3c, and the respective reels 3a, 3b, 3c
The stepping motors are all started in response to the operation of the start lever 7 and individually stopped in response to the operation of pressing the corresponding stop button switch.

Each of the lighting display circuits 26 to 30 is for lighting the line display lamps L _{1 to} L ₅ , and the blinking display circuit 31 is for blinking the lamps of the alarm indicator 8 and is a numerical display. The circuit 32 is for operating the frequency display 5 to display an arbitrary number.

4 to 7 show the procedure of control by the control section 15 from step 1 (indicated by "ST1" in the figure) to step 30, and the operation of the slot machine will be described below according to the procedure shown in FIG. Will be explained. First, the CPU 16 determines whether or not there is a signal input from any of the input / output devices in step 1 of FIG. The judgment in step 1 is "N
As long as O ", the routine of steps 2 10 is repeated, such as display control of the line display lamp L ₁ ~L ₅ is performed. When a signal is input from any of the input / output devices, the determination in step 1 is "YES", and in steps 11 to 14, it is determined which of the input / output devices is the signal input.

When the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 6, the CPU 16 inserts a medal detector 22 into the medal detector 22.
Input the medal detection signal. This step 1
The determination of 1 is "YES", and the CPU 16 increments the data in the area 33 of the RAM 18, that is, the game executable frequency N every time the medal detection signal is generated (step 15).

Next, the player selects one of the selection button switches 9
When the consumption frequency X is set by pressing A, 9B, 9C,
A selection button switch signal is output from the pressed selection button switch to the CPU 16. As a result, the determination in step 12 becomes "YES" and step 16 in FIG.
Then, the CPU 16 determines whether the game executable frequency N is the consumption frequency X or more. If the determination is "YES", the CPU 16 registers the consumption frequency X set by the selection button switch in the area 34 of the RAM 18 (step 17).

If the determination in step 16 is "NO", the CPU 16 blinks the lamp of the warning indicator 8 for a certain period of time without registering the setting data, and the game executable frequency N is insufficient for the setting data. The player is informed of this (step 18). This alarm causes the player to insert additional medals or reset a small consumption frequency X equal to or lower than the game executable frequency N.

When the insertion of medals and the setting of the consumption frequency X are completed in this way, step 2 in FIG.
When the game feasible frequency N and the consumption frequency X are read, neither the game feasible frequency N nor the consumption frequency X is zero, so the determination in step 3 is “YES”, and the game feasible frequency N is the consumption frequency. Since it is X or more, the determination in step 4 is also “YES”, and the CPU 16 confirms whether or not the line display lamp of the stop line corresponding to the consumption frequency X is lighting, and if the determination in step 5 is “NO”. If so, the corresponding line display lamp is turned on (step 6).

On the other hand, when the game executable frequency N is smaller than the consumption frequency X, that is, when the game is repeatedly executed and the game executable frequency N becomes smaller than the consumption frequency X, the determination in step 4 is "NO". , And C
The PU 16 blinks the lamp of the warning indicator 8 and then
The consumption frequency X in the RAM 18 is forcibly rewritten to a predetermined value (step 8).

In the case of this embodiment, the CPU 16 clears the consumption frequency X to zero, but not limited to this, the consumption frequency X may be rewritten to the value of the game executable frequency N at that time. Good.

When the consumption frequency X is cleared to zero in step 8, the determination in step 3 becomes "NO" at the next sampling timing, and the CPU 16 determines in step 9 whether the line display lamp is lighting. Confirm, and if the determination in step 9 is "YES", then step 10
Press to turn off the line display lamp that is lit. In the standby state before the insertion of medals and before the setting of the consumption frequency X, none of the line display lamps are lit, so the determination in step 9 is “NO”, and step 10 is skipped.

Next, when the player operates the start lever 7, a start lever switch signal is output to the CPU 16, the determination in step 13 becomes "YES" and the process proceeds to step 19 in FIG. In this step 19, it is determined whether or not the game executable frequency N and the consumed frequency X are not zero. If the determination is "YES", the CPU 16 subtracts the consumed frequency X from the game executable frequency N. RAM1
The contents of the area 33 of 8 are rewritten.

At the next step 21, the CPU 16 starts the stepping motors of the reel drive mechanism 25 to rotate the three reels 3a, 3b, 3c all at once, and at the next step 22, the number of stops corresponding to the consumption frequency X is stopped. Activate the line.

The player stops the reel by stopping the button switch 10a,
When the corresponding reels are stopped by sequentially pressing 10b and 10c, the determination in step 23 becomes "YES", and C
The PU 16 determines whether or not a combination of the symbols arranged on any of the activated stop lines is a predetermined combination and determines whether or not there is a prize (steps 24 and 25).

If the prize is won, the determination in step 25 becomes "YES", a payout n corresponding to the combination of symbols is given, and the CPU 16 adds the payout n to the number N of times the game can be executed and adds the payout n to the area 33 of the RAM 18. While rewriting the contents of, the contents displayed on the frequency display 5 are updated to the addition result (step 26). If not winning, the determination in step 25 is "NO" and step 26 is skipped.

Finally, when the player presses the settlement button switch 11, a settlement button switch signal is output to the CPU 16 and the determination in step 14 becomes "YES", and FIG.
In step 27, the CPU 16 reads the game executable frequency N from the area 33 of the RAM 18. If the game executable frequency N at this point is 1 or more, step 2
8 is “YES”, the CPU 16 operates the medal ejector 24 to eject the medals corresponding to the game feasible frequency N to the medal ejection opening 12, and thereafter sets the game feasible frequency N and the consumption frequency X to Clear (Step 2
9, 30).

In the above embodiment, a large number of medals are continuously inserted into the medal insertion slot 6 to allow the game execution frequency N on the machine.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, but the machine body 2 is provided with a card insertion slot, a card in which the game executable frequency is recorded is inserted into the card insertion slot, and the recorded data is read by a card reader, and the reading is performed. Data may be stored.

Further, in the above embodiment, a value corresponding to the game executable frequency "1" is given to one medal, but one medal has a higher value (for example, the game executable frequency "50"). ) Is added, and when the medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 6, the game executable frequency N corresponding to the value may be stored.

Further, in the above embodiment, the line display lamps L _{1 to} L ₅ are arranged at one end of each stop line to display the stop line to be activated, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, it is also possible to adopt a method in which each stop line is configured by a light emitter and the activated stop line itself is illuminated.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the starting lever 7 is used as a means for instructing the execution of each game, but a push button switch, a foot pedal or the like may be used instead of the starting lever 7.

[0054]

As described above, the present invention is provided with a selection means for the player to select the consumption frequency for each game, and the consumption frequency is set on condition that the set consumption frequency is less than or equal to the game executable frequency. Since the game is registered in advance and the game can be executed every time by operating the same and single operation means with the registered consumption frequency, the game operation is greatly simplified and the occurrence of erroneous operation is prevented. it can.

Also, the game executable frequency and the value set by the player
When none of the constant has been consumed power there is and the game <br/> beam executable frequency not zero becomes smaller than the consumption power, the registered data consumers power to automatically zero or game executable frequency the Because it was rewritten , the machine will not operate in the state where the game executable frequency is insufficient,
The machine operation can be optimized.

[0056]

In the invention according to claim 2, the game can be executed.
Both the power frequency and the consumption frequency set by the player
When zero is not and the game executable power becomes smaller than the consumption power, it is so arranged to notify the fact to the player it can be prompted to optimize operation of the consumption power.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a slot machine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an area of a RAM for storing a game executable frequency and a consumption frequency.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by a control unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by a control unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by a control unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the control unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 slot machine 3a, 3b, 3c reel 7 starting lever 8 warning indicator 9A, 9B, 9C selection button switch 15 controller 16 CPU 17 ROM 18 RAM L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ , L ₄ , L ₅ line display lamp

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of reels representing a plurality of symbols are provided, and at the time of reel stop, the presence or absence of winning is determined by a combination of symbols arranged on any one of the activated stop lines of the plurality of stop lines. In the determined slot machine, a storage means for storing the game feasible frequency to be added by the payout at the time of depositing or winning, a selection means for selecting the consumption frequency for each game, and the consumption frequency for each game are registered. registration means for, consumption frequency for each game is selected by said selection means
When the selected consumption frequency is less than or equal to the game executable frequency stored in the storage means, the consumption frequency is written in the registration means, and the game executable stored in the storage means per the consumption power registered in frequency with said registration means, and monitoring means any of which to constantly monitor whether and the game executable frequency not zero at the consumption power more, the monitoring unit is the game Executable frequency and consumption frequency
If none of the above is zero and it is detected that the game feasible frequency is lower than the consumption frequency, registration data rewriting means for rewriting the registration data of the registration means to zero or the game feasible frequency, and execution of each game The operating means operated by the player for instructing that the game executable frequency stored in the storage means and the consumption frequency registered in the registration means are not zero each time the operating means is operated. And a calculation control means for enabling the reel to be driven under the condition and validating the number of stop lines corresponding to the consumption frequency, and for updating the contents of the storage means by subtracting the consumption frequency from the game executable frequency. A slot machine equipped. 2. A plurality of reels representing a plurality of symbols
Of the multiple stop lines when the reel is stopped.
Of symbols lined up on one of the activated stop lines
Slot machines whose winning combination is determined by the combination
In emissions, game execution to be added by the deposit purse or a dividend at the time of winning
Storage means for storing the possible frequency, selection means for selecting the consumption frequency for each game, registration means for registering the consumption frequency for each game, and the consumption frequency for each game is selected by the selection means.
The selected consumption frequency is stored in the storage means.
Consumption, provided that it is less than or equal to the feasible frequency
Writing means for writing the frequency in the registration means, the game executable frequency stored in the storage means and the registration
The consumption frequency registered in the recording means
It is not zero and the game executable frequency is the consumption frequency.
Monitoring means for constantly monitoring whether or not it is the above, and the monitoring means for the game executable frequency and the consumption frequency
Is not zero and the game executable frequency is
When it is detected that the consumption frequency is smaller than the consumption frequency, the registration means
Rewrite the registration data of zero to zero or the game feasible frequency
Registration data rewriting means, and the monitoring means , the game executable frequency and the consumption frequency.
Is not zero and the game executable frequency is
When it is detected that it is less than the consumption frequency, the notification means for notifying the player of the lack of the game executable frequency, and the operation by the player for instructing the execution of each game
And an operation means that is stored in the storage means each time the operation means is operated.
The game feasible frequency and registered in the registration means
The reel can be driven on condition that the consumption frequency is not zero.
And the number of stop lines according to the consumption frequency is valid
And the consumption frequency from the game execution frequency
A slot machine comprising: arithmetic control means for subtracting and updating the contents of the storage means .