JPH09215813A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a player to identify at a glance the jackpot symbols which stopped and those which produced a next-to-winning condition when any of the jackpot symbols stopped on a validated stop line or when a plurality of jackpot symbols stopped to produce the next-to-winning condition. SOLUTION: This slot machine is provided on its front with a jackpot indicating part 12 for showing a process whereby combinations of jackpot symbols are formed, at each step of formation and for each kind of jackpot symbol in different configurations. The jackpot indicating part 12 comprises twelve indicating lamps 13 arranged in a horizontal line, turns on the indicating lamps 13 four at a time each time a first jackpot symbol stops on a validated stop line, and turns on the indicating lamps 13 three at a time each time a second jackpot symbol stops.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a combination of jackpot symbols is generated on an activated stop line so as to shift to a special game different from a normal game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A typical conventional slot machine has three reels each having a plurality of symbols drawn on its peripheral surface.
If you operate the starter lever after inserting ~ 3 medals, the three reels will rotate simultaneously. A stop button switch is provided corresponding to each reel, and when any one of the stop button switches is pressed, the corresponding reel stops.
When all reels stop and a predetermined combination of symbols is generated on the activated stop line, the game wins, and a predetermined number of medals according to the type of win is awarded to the game. It is paid out as a dividend.

In recent slot machines, jackpot symbols are arranged on each reel, and when a combination of jackpot symbols is generated on the activated stop line when all reels are stopped, a special game different from a normal game is generated. The game has been moved to. This special game is for giving a player the opportunity to win a large number of medals, and is generally called a "bonus game". In this bonus game, for example, when one medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, the three reels rotate at the same time, and every time the stop button switch is pressed, the corresponding reel is displayed on the predetermined stop line. When a certain symbol with is stopped, many medals are paid out.

Further, in recent slot machines, at least two types of jackpot symbols are arranged on each reel, and when a combination of one jackpot symbol is generated, one bonus game (hereinafter referred to as "regular bonus game"). When a combination of the other jackpot symbols is generated, a plurality of times (for example, 3
The number of times of bonus games (hereinafter referred to as “big bonus games”) can be played.

When the player stops the first reel, the player determines whether or not the symbol stopped on the stop line is a jackpot symbol, and if it is a jackpot symbol, the next reel is aimed at a jackpot symbol of the same kind. Will be stopped. When the second reel is stopped, if two jackpots of the same kind are lined up on the stop line (this state is referred to as a "reach state"), the player more carefully aims for the jackpot pattern of the same type. The reel will be stopped.

[0006]

As described above, in the recent slot machines, in order to increase the fun of the game, a plurality of types of jackpot symbols are prepared, and the regular bonus is changed according to the type of the jackpot symbol, or the big bonus. I've moved to bonuses. However, especially for beginners,
Even if any of the jackpot symbols stop on the stop line, or even if any of the jackpot symbols are in a reach state with two hit jackpot patterns, it is overlooked and the next stop button switch is inadvertently operated. Sometimes.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above problems, and when a jackpot pattern is stopped on an activated stop line, or when a plurality of jackpot symbols are in a reach state, It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine with improved service to customers by making it possible for a player to know at a glance which jackpot symbol has stopped or which jackpot symbol is in the reach state.

[0008]

The slot machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of reels each provided with at least two types of jackpot symbols, and when all reels stop, on the activated stop line. By generating any combination of the jackpot symbols, the game is shifted to a special game different from the normal game, and a process in which the combination of the jackpot symbols is generated on the front surface of the machine. Is provided for each generation stage and for each type of jackpot symbol in a different display mode.

[0009]

[Operation] On the activated stop line, when the jackpot design is stopped, or when the jackpot symbols are in a reach state, the display section shows the type of jackpot symbol stopped on the stop line and the jackpot symbol. Different display modes are displayed according to the generation stage of. The player not only knows that the jackpot pattern has stopped on the stop line and has reached the reach state by looking at the display of this display part, but also which jackpot pattern has stopped on the stop line, Find out if you have reached the reach with the jackpot pattern.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The slot machine shown is
Equipped with three reels 8a, 8b, 8c provided with two types of jackpot symbols "7" and "BAR" respectively, and when all reels 8a, 8b, 8c stop, on the activated stop line By generating a combination of one jackpot symbol "7", the normal game is shifted to the big bonus game, and the other jackpot symbol "BA"
By generating the “R” combination, the normal game is shifted to the regular bonus game.

On the front surface of the machine body, the jackpot pattern "7"
In order to display the process of generating a combination of "BARs" in different display modes for each generation stage and for each type of jackpot pattern, the jackpot display section 12 in which twelve indicator lights 13 are arranged side by side in a row Is provided, and on the activated stop line, every time the first jackpot symbol "7" is stopped, four indicator lights 13 are sequentially turned on, and the second jackpot symbol "BAR" is also displayed. Each time it is stopped, the three indicator lights 13 are sequentially turned on.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a slot machine which is an embodiment of the present invention. The machine body of this slot machine is configured such that a door 1 is attached to the front of a box-shaped machine body so that the door 1 can be opened and closed. The front of the door 1 has a reel display window 2, a medal slot 3, and a starter. A lever 4, a three stop button switch 5, a medal discharge port 6, and a medal tray 7 are provided.

Inside the body of the machine body, three reels 8a, 8b, 8c are aligned with the position of the reel display window 2.
However, the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are assembled so that the peripheral surfaces of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c face the reel display window 2. A plurality of symbols are drawn on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c, respectively, and when the reels are stopped, the symbols for three frames of each reel appear in the reel display window 2.

The reel display window 2 shows a total of five stop lines L _{1 to} L _{5 that} are upper, middle, lower and diagonal, and if the number of inserted medals is one, the central stop line is displayed. If there are only two L ₁ , then there will be 3 stop lines L on the top, middle and bottom
_{If 1 to} L ₃ is 3, all 5 stop lines L ₁
~ L ₅ are respectively activated.

The symbols applied to the peripheral surfaces of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c include a first jackpot pattern consisting of the numeral "7" and a second jackpot pattern consisting of the English letters "BAR".
Other types of winning symbols related to winning, and other symbols not related to winning are included. When all reels are stopped, if the first combination of jackpot symbols is generated on the activated stop line, the game shifts to the big bonus game, and if the combination of second jackpot symbols is generated, the regular bonus. Move to the game. In the figure, the medal insertion slot 3 is for inserting medals, the starting lever 4 is for activating the three reels 8a, 8b, 8c all at once, and the stop button switch 5 is for each reel 8.
This is for individually stopping a, 8b, and 8c.

In this slot machine, a plurality of medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 3 in advance and deposited in the machine, and the game is executed while consuming the deposited medals.
This is a so-called credit type slot machine, and on the front surface of the door portion 1, a deposit medal indicator 9 for digitally displaying the number of medals deposited in the machine, a medal insertion switch 10 for depositing deposited medals, and a deposited medal A settlement switch 11 for instructing the settlement is provided.

Further, in this slot machine, the process of generating the combination of the jackpot symbols on the front surface of the door portion 1 for each generation step and for each type of jackpot symbol,
The jackpot display section 12 for displaying in different display modes is provided.

FIG. 2 shows a concrete example of the jackpot display section 12. The jackpot display unit 12 of the illustrated example is configured by arranging 12 indicator lamps 13 each having an LED as a light source in a horizontal row, and on the activated stop line, each time the first jackpot pattern is stopped, The indicator lights 13 are sequentially turned on by four, and each time the second jackpot symbol is stopped, the indicator lights 1
3 are turned on one by one.

3 and 4 show the process of generating the first combination of the big hit symbols "7" and the display state of the big hit display portion 12 in this generating process in association with each other. FIG. 3 (1) shows a state in which the first jackpot pattern "7" of the leftmost reel 8a is stopped on the activated stop line (L _{1 in} the figure), and at this stage, the jackpot display In the section 12, the four indicator lights 1 from the left end
3 lights up all at once (Fig. 4 (1)). The central reel 8b and the rightmost reel 8c are rotating.

FIG. 3B shows the activated stop line L.
₁ shows a state in which the first jackpot pattern "7" of the reel 8b in the center following the reel 8a at the left end is stopped, that is, the reach state. At this stage, the jackpot display unit 1
In 2, the four (8 in total) indicator lights 13 are turned on (FIG. 4 (2)). The reel 8c at the right end is rotating.

FIG. 3 (3) shows the activated stop line L.
₁ shows the state in which the first jackpot symbol "7" of the reel 8c at the right end following the left and center reels 8a and 8b is stopped, and at this stage, the jackpot display section 12 further has four reels. The indicator lights 13 (12 in total from the left end) are turned on (FIG. 4 (3)).

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the process of generating the second combination of the big hit symbols “BAR” and the display state of the big hit display portion 12 in this generating process in association with each other. FIG. 5 (1) shows a state in which the second jackpot pattern “BAR” of the leftmost reel 8a is stopped on the activated stop line (L _{1 in} the figure), and at this stage, the jackpot display In the section 12, the three indicator lamps 13 from the left end are turned on all at once (FIG. 6 (1)). The central reel 8b and the rightmost reel 8c are rotating.

FIG. 5B shows the activated stop line L.
The second jackpot pattern “BAR” of the reel 8b in the center following the reel 8a at the left end on ₁ is in a stopped state, that is, the reach state is shown. Six indicator lights 13 are lit (FIG. 6 (2)). The reel 8c at the right end is rotating.

FIG. 5C shows the activated stop line L.
₁ shows the state in which the second jackpot pattern "BAR" of the reel 8c at the right end is stopped after the reels 8a, 8b at the left end and the center, and at this stage, the jackpot display portion 12
Then, further three (9 in total) indicator lights 13 are turned on (FIG. 6 (3)).

In the above embodiment, one jackpot display section 12 is also used, and in the process of generating the first combination of the jackpot symbols "7", the twelve indicator lamps 13 are sequentially turned on four by four. On the other hand, the process of generating the combination of the second jackpot pattern "BAR" is displayed by sequentially turning on the 12 indicator lamps 3 at a time, and the jackpot display unit 12 However, the system shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 can be adopted.

The jackpot display section 12 shown in FIG. 7 is a first jackpot display section 12a for displaying the generation process of the first jackpot symbol "7" and a combination of the second jackpot symbol "BAR". The second jackpot display section 12b for displaying the process is independently provided, and the generation process of the combination of the first jackpot pattern "7" is performed by the three indicator lights 13 of the first jackpot display section 12a. By sequentially lighting one by one, the second jackpot symbol "B
The generation process of the combination of "AR" is displayed by sequentially lighting the three indicator lamps 13 of the second jackpot display portion 12b one by one.

The jackpot display section 12 shown in FIG. 8 is composed of three indicator lamps 13 each incorporating an LED for emitting red light and an LED for emitting green light.
In the generation process of the combination of the big jackpot pattern "7", the LED emitting red light is operated to sequentially turn on the three indicator lights 13 one by one, and the second big jackpot pattern "BAR" is displayed. The generation process of the combination is displayed by operating the LEDs that emit green light and sequentially lighting the three indicator lights 13 one by one.

FIG. 9 shows an electrical configuration of the above slot machine. In the figure, reference numeral 20 is a microprocessor whose main control is a CPU 21, and is provided with a ROM 22 for storing programs and fixed data and a RAM 23 used for reading and writing data. The CPU 21 is
While reading / writing data from / to the RAM 23 according to the program stored in the OM 22, the number-of-deposits indicator 9, the big hit indicator 12, the starting lever 4, the medal insertion switch 10, the three stop button switches 5, the adjustment switch 1
1, reel drive unit 24, hopper drive unit 25, sounding unit 26
I / O operations such as are controlled in series.

The reel drive section 24 is used for each reel 8
The stepping motors, which are the drive sources for a, 8b, and 8c, are driven. The hopper drive unit 25 drives the hopper motor of the medal payout mechanism incorporated in the machine body when adjusting the payment. The sounding unit 26 generates and outputs various sound effects.

10 to 13 show the flow of control by the CPU 21. In the figure, “ST” means a step. Now, when the medal insertion switch 10 is operated or a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 3 and then the starting lever 4 is operated, the CPU 21 causes the ST21 of FIG.
The determination of “YES” is made in 2, and the three reels 8a, 8b, 8c are simultaneously rotated via the reel drive unit 24.

Next, when any of the stop button switches 5 is operated, the determination in ST4 becomes "YES", and the CPU 2
1, the corresponding reel is stopped (ST5), and a determination process of whether or not the jackpot pattern is stopped at the activated stop line is performed (ST6).

[0032] If the first jackpot symbol "7" to the enabled stop line on the stops, becomes "YES" is determined in ST6-1 in FIG. 11, the flag F ₁₁ of the flag area provided in the RAM23 "1" is set and four indicator lights 13 of the jackpot display section 12 are turned on (ST6-3,
6-4). With this display, the player can immediately recognize that the first jackpot pattern "7" has stopped on the stop line. The flag F ₁₁ is a flag indicating whether or not the first jackpot symbol “7” has stopped on the stop line at the first reel stop.

[0033] If the enabled second jackpot symbol on stop line "BAR" is stopped, is set to "1" in the flag F ₂₁ determination is "YES", the flag area of ST6-2, jackpot Three indicator lights 13 of the display unit 12 are turned on (ST6-5, 6-6). With this display, the player can immediately recognize that the second jackpot symbol "BAR" has stopped on the stop line. The flag F ₂₁ is a flag indicating whether or not the second jackpot symbol “BAR” has stopped on the stop line at the first reel stop. If none of the jackpot symbols stop on the activated stop line, ST6-1,6
Both judgments of -2 are "NO".

Next, when the second stop button switch 5 is operated, the determination in ST7 of FIG. 10 becomes "YES", and C
The PU 21 stops the corresponding reel (ST8), and determines whether or not the jackpot symbol has stopped on the activated stop line (ST9).

If the first jackpot symbol "7" is stopped on the activated stop line, the determination at ST9-1 in FIG. 12 is "YES", and the CPU 21 causes the first jackpot when the reels are stopped for the first time. determining by the contents of the flag F ₁₁ whether the symbol "7" is stopped on the stop line (ST9-3). If the flag F ₁₁ is "1", S
Determination is "YES" in T9-3, after having reset the flag F ₁₁ to "0", "1" is set to a different flag F _12, further indicator 13 in the jackpot display unit 12 4
Light, that is, a total of 8 lights (ST9-4, 9-
5). By this display, the player can immediately recognize that the first jackpot pattern “7” has been arranged on the stop line, that is, the reach state has been reached. The flag F ₂₁ is a flag for indicating whether or not two first jackpot symbols “7” are aligned on the stop line when the second reel is stopped.

If the second jackpot symbol "BAR" is stopped on the activated stop line, the determination in ST9-2 becomes "YES", and the CPU 21 causes the second jackpot symbol "BAR" when the first reel is stopped. Is stopped on the stop line based on the content of the flag F ₂₁ (ST9-6). If the flag F ₂₁ is "1", S
Determination is "YES" in T9-6, after having reset the flag F ₂₁ to "0", "1" is set to a different flag F _22, further indicator 13 in the jackpot display unit 12 3
6 pieces, that is, 6 pieces in total (ST9-7, 9-
8). By this display, the player can immediately recognize that the second jackpot pattern "BAR" is aligned on the stop line, that is, the reach state is reached. The flag F ₂₂ is a flag for indicating whether or not two second jackpot symbols “BAR” are aligned on the stop line when the second reel is stopped.

At the time of stopping the second reel, if none of the jackpot symbols stop on the activated stop line, the determinations in ST9-1 and ST9-2 are both "NO".
, And the said at ST9-9,9-10 flag F _11, F ₂₁
Is set to "1". If If the flag F ₁₁ is "1", the flow proceeds to ST9-11 is ST9-9 is "YES", and resets the flag F ₁₁ to "0", and if the flag F ₂₁ is "1" if If ST9
-10 becomes "YES", and flag F ₂₁ is returned in ST9-12.
After resetting to "0", the indicator lamp 13 of the jackpot display section 12 which is lit is turned off (ST9-13).

Next, when the third stop button switch 5 is operated, the determination in ST10 of FIG. 10 becomes "YES",
The CPU 21 stops the corresponding reel (ST1
1), it is determined whether or not the jackpot pattern has stopped on the activated stop line (ST12).

If the first jackpot symbol "7" is stopped on the activated stop line, ST12-1 in FIG.
The determination is "YES", CPU 21 determines whether the first jackpot symbol "7" are aligned two on stop line by the contents of the flag F ₁₂ (ST12-
3). If the if the flag F ₁₂ is "1", ST12-3
Is YES, the CPU 21 causes the jackpot display unit 12 to further include four indicator lights 13, that is, a total of 12 indicator lights.
The individual pieces are turned on (ST12-4). With this display, the player can immediately recognize that the first jackpot pattern “7” has been completed on the stop line, that is, that the big bonus game has been won.

If the second jackpot symbol "BAR" stops on the activated stop line, ST12 of FIG.
-2 determination is "YES", CPU 21 determines the contents of the second of the whether a bonus game symbol "BAR" are aligned two on stop line flag F ₂₂ (S
T12-5). If the flag F ₂₂ is "1", ST
The determination of 12-5 is “YES”, and the CPU 21 lights up three more indicator lamps 13 of the jackpot display unit 12, that is, a total of nine indicator lamps 13 (ST12-6). With this display, the player can immediately recognize that the second jackpot pattern "BAR" is aligned on the stop line, that is, the regular bonus game can be won.

At the time of stopping the third reel, if none of the jackpot symbols are stopped on the activated stop line, the determinations in ST12-1 and ST12-2 are both "N".
Is O ", it is determined whether the flag F _12, F ₂₂ is set to" 1 "in ST12-7,12-8. If If the flag F ₁₂ is "1", the flow proceeds to ST12-9 is ST12-7 is "YES", and resets the flag F ₁₂ to "0", and if the flag F ₂₂ is "1" if If so, ST12-8 becomes "YES" and ST12-1.
After resetting the flag F ₂₂ to "0" at 0, the indicator lamp 13 of the jackpot display section 12 which is on is turned off (ST12-
11).

Returning to FIG. 10, in the next steps ST13 to ST15, the CPU 21 determines whether or not a prize has been won, and if so, whether or not to shift to a big bonus game or a regular bonus game. , When the combination of the first jackpot symbol “7” is generated, the determinations in ST13 and ST14 are both “YES”, and the CPU 21 sets the flag F ₁₂ to “0” after paying medals in ST16. To reset the jackpot display 12 to turn off the indicator light 13 (ST1
7, 18).

[0043] When the combination of the second bonus game symbol "BAR" is generated, the determination are both "YES" in ST13,15, CPU 21, after performing the medal payout at ST19, the flag F ₂₂ " It resets to "0" and turns off the indicator light 13 of the jackpot display section 12 which is on (ST20, 21).

If a combination of winning symbols other than the jackpot symbol is generated, the determination in ST13 is "YE."
S "and ST14,15 are both" NO ",
The CPU 21 pays out medals in ST22 and completes the processing of one game. If the determination of "winning?" In ST13 is "NO", the medal is not distributed and 1
Complete the game process.

[0045]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a slot machine provided with a plurality of reels each provided with at least two types of jackpot symbols, a process of generating a combination of the jackpot symbols on the front surface of the machine body. For each generation stage and for each type of jackpot pattern, a display section for displaying in different display modes is provided, so that the player sees the display state of the display section and sees that the jackpot pattern has stopped on the stop line. Not only can you know that you have reached the reach state, you can know which jackpot design stopped on the stop line and which jackpot design reached the reach state, and you can improve the service to customers effective.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a jackpot display unit.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a generation process of a first combination of jackpot symbols.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the jackpot display section in stages.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a generation process of a combination of second jackpot symbols.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the jackpot display section in stages.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the jackpot display unit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the jackpot display unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by a CPU.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by a CPU.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by a CPU.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by a CPU.

[Explanation of symbols]

 8a, 8b, 8c Reel 12 Big hit indicator 13 Indicator light

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of reels each provided with at least two types of jackpot symbols, and when all reels are stopped, any combination of jackpot symbols is generated on an activated stop line. By doing so, in the slot machine that shifts to a special game different from the normal game, the process of generating the combination of the jackpot symbols on the front surface of the machine, for each generation stage and for each type of jackpot symbol, A slot machine provided with a display unit for displaying in different display modes.