JPH10146418A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To operate two kinds of game systems and to smoothly return the excessively placed medals, with one machine through a simple select operation. SOLUTION: This slot machine is equipped with a select switch 11 to shift the mode by a player's select operation between the first playing mode to execute the game by putting a medal into the medal put-in slot 6 per game and the second gaming mode to execute the game by medals deposited into the machine. Even when this select switch 11 selects either playing mode to put into the medal put-in slot 6 the number of medals exceeding a prior-given limit value per playing mode, the put-in surplus medals corresponding to the selected playing mode are exactly returned smoothly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for simultaneously driving a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols on a peripheral surface thereof, sequentially stopping the reels, and displaying the symbols of the reels arranged on an activated stop line. And a slot machine that determines a winning or losing of a game and a payout of a medal according to a combination of the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional slot machine, medals are inserted into a medal slot before starting a game, and a predetermined number of medals (usually 1 to 3) are inserted into the medal slot for each game. In addition to the method of inserting, a large number of medals are inserted in the medal slot in advance and deposited in the machine,
There is a system in which the deposited medals are consumed and used by a push button operation for each game.

In the former system, when the insertion of up to three medals is accepted, the inserted medals of the fourth and subsequent medals are not accepted but are returned to the medal outlet. Also, in the latter method, when the insertion of the maximum number of medals (for example, 50) is accepted, the inserted medals after the 51st are not accepted and are returned to the medal outlet similarly. I have.

[0004]

In the former method, medals are inserted every time a game is played, so that there is an advantage that each game can be enjoyed with sufficient time, and is particularly suitable for beginners. Since one game takes a long time, it is not suitable especially for a skilled person who hasten a game.

[0005] In the latter method, if a large number of medals are inserted first, the game can be executed by push-button operation thereafter, so that the game can be settled quickly, which is suitable for a skilled person. It is not particularly suitable for beginners because they do not spend enough time to enjoy each game.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and a simple selection operation allows a single machine to be used.
An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can execute any game type game and can smoothly return an extra medal.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed on a peripheral surface, and when each of the reels is started, each of the reels arranged on an activated stop line is displayed. In a slot machine that determines the outcome of a game according to a combination of symbols, a medal slot for inserting a medal as a game medium, and a medal detection for detecting a medal inserted from the medal slot and outputting a detection signal. A player's selection operation of a sensor and a first game mode for executing a game by inserting medals into a medal slot for each game, and a second game mode for executing a game using medals deposited in a machine. A switch for switching the game mode, first storage means for storing the number of medals for executing the game in the first game mode, A second storage unit for storing the number of medals for executing a game, and a storage content of the first storage unit when a first game mode is selected by the changeover switch. Until the limit value of 1 is reached, the content of the first storage means is updated by the detection signal from the medal detection sensor and control for activating the stop line is executed, and the first limit value is reached. Thereafter, first control means for executing control for returning inserted medals based on a detection signal from the medal detection sensor, and second storage when a second game mode is selected by the changeover switch. Until the storage content of the means reaches a second predetermined limit value, the control for updating the storage content of the second storage means with a detection signal from the medal detection sensor and storing medals. Run, after reaching the second limit value, in which a second control means for performing control to return the inserted medal by the detection signal from the medal sensor.

[0008]

When the medal detection sensor detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot while the first game mode is selected by the changeover switch, the first control means sets the first game mode to the first game mode.
Control for updating the storage contents of the first storage means and validating the stop line by the detection signal from the medal detection sensor until the storage contents of the storage means reach a predetermined first limit value Execute After the first limit value is reached, when the medal detection sensor detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot, the first control means performs control for returning the inserted medal based on a detection signal from the medal detection sensor. Execute When the medal detection means detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot when the second game mode is selected by the changeover switch, the second control means determines in advance the content stored in the second storage means. Until the second limit value is reached, control is executed to update the storage content of the second storage means and store medals in response to the detection signal from the medal detection sensor. After reaching the second limit value, when the medal detection sensor detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot, the second control means performs control for returning the inserted medal based on a detection signal from the medal detection sensor. Execute

[0009]

1 and 2 show a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This slot machine 1
Inside the fuselage 2, a plurality of symbols are displayed on the peripheral surface.
A medal discharging machine 15 provided with a plurality of reels 3A, 3B, 3C, a hopper 14 and the like are provided. In addition, a symbol display window 4, a number-of-deposited-number display 5, a medal slot 6, a starting lever 7, , Stop button switches 8a, 8b,
8c, a game switch 9, a settlement switch 10, a changeover switch 11, a medal discharge port 12, a medal tray 13, and the like are provided.

In the symbol display window 4, three reels 3A, 3B, 3C are located. From the symbol display window 4, the rotation states of the reels 3A, 3B, 3C can be seen through, and the reels 3A, 3C can be seen. When 3B and 3C are stopped,
3 frame of symbols of each reel is on, in, so that the arrayed in a line down, on the stop line L ₁ ~L ₅ diagonal.

The starting lever 7 has three reels 3A, 3A.
And three stop button switches 8a, 8b, and 8c for starting the B and 3C simultaneously.
3B and 3C are individually stopped.

The medal insertion slot 6 is a portion for inserting one or many medals prior to the start of the game, and the medal emission slot 12 is used for paying out or adjusting a medal or exceeding a predetermined number. This is the part that releases medals when medals are inserted. The medal tray 13 accommodates medals discharged from the medal discharge port 12.

The stop line is a central stop line L ₁ when the number of inserted medals is one, and upper when the number of inserted medals is two.
Each of the middle and lower stop lines L ₂ , L ₁ , and L _{3 includes} upper, middle, lower, and diagonal stop lines L ₂ ,
L ₁ , L ₃ , L ₄ , and L ₅ become effective, respectively, and a predetermined symbol combination is formed on these stop lines, so that a predetermined number of medals is discharged to the medal tray 13 or the deposit is made. The display content of the number display 5 is incremented by the number of payouts.

This slot machine 1 has a first game system in which one to three medals are inserted from the medal slot 6 for each game and the game is executed, and a large number of medals are previously inserted from the medal slot 6. The user can select one of the second game modes in which the player inserts and deposits the medal into the machine, and executes the game while consuming the deposited medal by a push-button operation.

The deposited number display 5 digitally displays the number of medals deposited in the machine. The game switch 9 is for instructing to consume and use the deposited medals during the execution of the game. One push operation causes one medal, and two push operations causes two medals. When the push operation is performed, three medals are consumed. The settlement switch 10 is for adjusting the deposited medals and discharging them to the medal tray 13.

The medal slot 6 is connected to the medal transport passage 2
The medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 6 are taken into the hopper 14 through the medal transfer passage 26.
A medal detection sensor 22 for detecting the passage of medals is provided in the medal transport path 26. A counting means for counting the number of inserted medals by the medal detection sensor 22 and a control unit 16 (shown in FIG. 3) described later. Is configured.

The medal discharger 15 is provided with a sending mechanism 27 at the bottom of the hopper 14. The sending mechanism 27 stores the medals in the hopper 14 one by one through a medal discharging passage 28. Send it to the discharge port 12. The medal discharging operation by the medal discharging machine 15 is as follows.
When a combination of symbols related to winning is established, when the settlement switch 10 is pressed to settle the deposited medals, and when a predetermined number of medals are inserted, the medals are released and released. The number of power medals is instructed by the CPU 17 of the control unit 16.

FIG. 3 shows a main circuit configuration of the slot machine. In the figure, a control unit 16 composed of a microprocessor or the like stores a ROM 18 and a RAM 19 in a CPU 17.
Has a known configuration connected via a bus. The CPU 17 is a main body for control and calculation, and
The RAM stores programs and fixed data.
Reference numeral 9 is used as a work area.

The CPU 17 is connected to the reel drive mechanism 20 and the medal discharger 1 via an input / output port (not shown).
5, starting lever switch 21, medal detection sensor 22,
Each input / output device such as the changeover switch 11 is connected.

The reel drive mechanism 20 includes a reel 3A,
A pulse motor for individually driving and stopping 3B and 3C is included. The starting lever switch 21 outputs an operation signal by operating the starting lever 7. Note that the medal discharger 15, the medal detection sensor 22, the changeover switch 11, and the game switch 9 have already been described, and the description will not be repeated here. In FIG. 1, input / output devices not directly related to the gist of the present invention are not shown.

FIG. 4 shows the work area 2 of the RAM 19.
The work area 23 is provided with areas 24, 25A, and 25B for storing the numbers n, m, and N of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 6. Area 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes the number of medals n when the first game mode in which medals are inserted for each game by the changeover switch 11 is selected.
And the other areas 25A and 25B respectively store the number of medals m and N when the second game system for consuming the medals deposited in the machine and executing the game is selected. Although the details will be described later, the number of medals m is used to determine the activation state of the stop line. The number of medals N
Is equivalent to the number of medals stored by the machine.

FIG. 5 shows a control procedure by the CPU 17 when the first game system in which medals are inserted for each game by the changeover switch 11 is selected. When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 6 in step 1 (indicated by “ST1” in the figure) of the same figure, the medal is guided to the hopper 14 of the medal discharger 15 via the medal transport passage 26. At this time, the medal detection sensor 11 detects the passage of a medal and outputs a detection signal. When the CPU 17 receives the detection signal, the CPU 17 increments the storage content of the area 24 of the RAM 19, that is, the number n of medals (steps 1 and 2). 2).

In the next step 3, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the number n of medals is "1". In this case, since the determination is "YES", the process proceeds to step 4, where the CPU 17 determines whether the number of medals is "1". to enable the stop line L _1.

Next, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the starting lever 7 has been operated in step 11 and whether or not a medal has been further inserted in step 1. If the second medal is inserted into the medal slot 6, the determination in step 11 is “NO” and the determination in step 1 is “Y”.
ES ", and the CPU 17 increments the number n of medals to" 2 "(step 2). As a result, the determination in step 3 is “NO” and the determination in step 5 is “YES”, and the CPU 17 determines in step 6 that the upper and lower stop lines L ₂ , L
_{Activate 3} as well.

Next, the CPU 17 determines in step 11 whether or not the start lever 7 has been operated, and in step 1 whether or not the third medal has been inserted. If the third medal is inserted into the medal slot 6, step 11
Is "NO", the determination in step 1 is "YES", and the CPU 17 increments the number n of medals to "3" (step 2). As a result, the determinations in steps 3 and 5 are both “NO” and the determination in step 7 is “YES”, and the CPU 17 determines in step 8 that the diagonal stop lines L ₄ and L _{4
Enable 5} as well.

Next, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the start lever 7 has been operated in step 11 and whether or not the fourth medal has been inserted in step 1, respectively. Step 1
1 is “NO”, step 1 is “YES”, and the CPU
17 increments the number n of medals to "4" (step 2). As a result, both steps 3, 5, and 7 become "NO" and proceed to step 9, where the CPU 17 drives the medal discharger 15 to discharge one medal, and then sets the number of medals n to "1". Decrement.

In this way, every time more than three medals are inserted, the CPU 17 drives the medal discharger 15 to discharge the surplus medals to the medal discharge port 12 and returns them to the player.

When the starting lever 7 is operated, the starting lever switch 21 outputs an operation signal and the CPU 17
Receives this operation signal, the three reels 3A, 3
The game is started by simultaneously starting B and 3C (steps 11 and 12). After the game is completed, the CPU 17
Resets the number n of medals and waits for medal insertion for the next game.

FIG. 6 shows a control procedure by the CPU 17 when the second game mode for executing the game by consuming the medals deposited in the machine by the changeover switch 11 is selected. First, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the game switch 9 has been pressed in step 1 (indicated by “ST1” in the figure) of the figure, and whether or not a medal has been inserted into the medal slot 6 in the next step 2. judge. Assuming that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 6, the medal is guided to the hopper 14 of the medal discharger 15 through the medal transport path 26. At this time, the medal detection sensor 11 detects the passage of a medal and outputs a detection signal.
17, when this detection signal is input, the determination in step 1 is “NO”, the determination in step 2 is “YES”, and C
In the next step 3, the PU 17 stores the area 25A of the RAM 19
, That is, the number m of medals is incremented.

In the next step 4, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the number of medals m is greater than "3". If the determination is "NO", the process proceeds to step 5, where The CPU 17 determines whether or not the number of medals m is “1”. If the determination in step 5 is "YES"
If, the process proceeds to step 6, CPU 17 is to enable a central stop line L _1.

Next, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the start lever 7 has been operated in step 14, whether or not the game switch 9 has been pressed in step 1, and whether or not the next medal has been inserted in step 2. It is determined whether or not each is not. If the second medal is inserted into the medal slot 6, the determinations in step 14 and step 1 are both "NO", the determination in step 2 is "YES", and the CP is determined.
U17 increments the number of medals m to "2" (step 3). As a result, the determinations in steps 4 and 5 are both “NO”, the determination in step 7 is “YES”,
The CPU 17 also activates the upper and lower stop lines L ₂ and L ₃ in step 8.

Next, the CPU 17 determines in step 14 whether or not the start lever 7 has been operated, in step 1 whether or not the game switch 9 has been operated, and in step 2, whether or not a third medal has been inserted. . If the third medal is inserted into the medal slot 6, step 14
And step 1 are both “NO”, step 2
Is "YES", and the CPU 17 determines that the number of medals m
Is incremented to “3”. As a result, the determinations in steps 4, 5, and 7 are both “NO”, and the CPU 17
Also activates the diagonal stop lines L ₄ , L ₅ in step 9.

Next, the CPU 17 determines in step 14 whether or not the start lever 7 has been operated, in step 1 whether or not the game switch 9 has been operated, and in step 2, whether or not the fourth medal has been inserted. If the fourth medal is inserted into the medal slot 6, both step 14 and step 1 are “NO”, step 2 is “YES”, and the CPU 17 sets the number of medals m to “4”.
Is incremented (step 3). As a result, step 4 becomes "YES" and proceeds to step 10, where CP
U17 increments the storage content of the area 25B of the RAM 19, that is, the number N of medals. The number N of medals here corresponds to the number of medals stored by the machine.

Next, the CPU 17 determines in step 11 whether or not the number of medals N has exceeded the limit value that can be stored by the machine, in this example, 50, and in this case, the determination is "NO". Therefore, the process proceeds to step 14, and similarly, the presence / absence of operation of the starting lever 7, and the presence / absence of operation of the game switch 9 and presence / absence of medal insertion are checked in steps 1 and 2.

Thereafter, medals are inserted one after another into the medal insertion slot 6, and as a result, when the number of medals N exceeds the limit value 50 and reaches "51", the determination in step 11 is "YE".
In step S12, the CPU 17 drives the medal discharger 15 to discharge one medal, and then decrements the number N of medals by "1".

In this way, every time more than 50 medals are inserted, the CPU 17 drives the medal discharger 15 to discharge the surplus medals to the medal discharge port 12 and returns them to the player.

Next, in the standby state of steps 1 and 2, if the game switch 9 is pressed,
Is "YES", and the CPU 17 determines whether or not the number N of medals is greater than zero in the next step 15. If the determination in step 15 is “YES”, C
PU17 incremented number of medals m in step 16 of Hatsugi, whether the number of medals m in the next step 17 is greater than "3", i.e., five stop line L ₁ ~
Which L ₅ determines whether or not all are enabled. If the determination is “NO”, the value of the number of medals m is “1” after subtracting “1” from the number of medals N in step 18.
It will be checked which of "2" and "3".

If the determination in step 17 is "YES", that is, if the game switch 9 is pressed after the five stop lines are validated, the process proceeds from step 11 to step 14 without updating the number N of medals. To wait for the operation of the starting lever 7.

Thus, when the starting lever 7 is operated in step 14, the starting lever switch 21 outputs an operation signal, and when the CPU 17 receives this operation signal, the three reels 3A, 3B, 3C are started simultaneously. Then, the game is executed (step 19). And after the game is completed,
The PU 17 resets the number m of medals and waits for operation of the game switch 9 or insertion of medals for the next game.

[0040]

As described above, the present invention provides a first game system in which medals are inserted into a medal slot for each game and a game is executed by a player's selection operation using a changeover switch. Since the second game system in which the game is executed according to the medal that is present can be selected,
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy the game according to your preference. In addition, no matter which game system is selected by the changeover switch, when the number of medals exceeding the limit value predetermined for each game system is inserted into the medal insertion slot, extra medals are inserted. The medal is reliably returned, and the medal according to the selected game system is smoothly returned.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure of the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a circuit of the slot machine.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing contents of a work area of a RAM.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a CPU.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a CPU.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 slot machine 3A, 3B, 3C reel 6 medal slot 11 switch 12 medal discharge port 14 hopper 15 medal discharge machine 16 control unit 17 CPU 19 RAM 18 ROM 22 medal detection sensor

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A game system comprising: a plurality of reels on a peripheral surface of which a plurality of symbols are displayed, and when each of the reels is started, a game of the game is performed in accordance with a combination of symbols of each of the reels arranged on an activated stop line. In a slot machine for determining a win or loss, a medal slot into which a medal as a game medium is inserted, a medal detection sensor that detects a medal inserted from the medal slot and outputs a detection signal, A changeover switch for switching between a first game mode in which the game is inserted into the medal slot and executing the game, and a second game mode in which the game is executed using the medals deposited in the machine by a selection operation of the player; First storage means for storing the number of medals for executing the game in the first game mode; and for executing the game in the second game mode. A second storage unit for storing the number of medals, and when the first game mode is selected by the changeover switch, the storage content of the first storage unit reaches a predetermined first limit value. Executes the control for updating the storage content of the first storage means and validating the stop line by the detection signal from the medal detection sensor,
After reaching the limit value, the first control means for executing control for returning inserted medals based on the detection signal from the medal detection sensor, and the second game mode is selected by the changeover switch. In order to store the medals by updating the storage contents of the second storage means with a detection signal from the medal detection sensor until the storage contents of the second storage means reach a predetermined second limit value, After the control has been executed and the second limit value has been reached, a second control is executed for returning the inserted medals based on the detection signal from the medal detection sensor.
A slot machine comprising: