JPH1015156A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change a variable display part in various modes after the operation of a stop switch by evenly and variously changing the stop position of the pattern of a variable display part within the prescribed range. SOLUTION: This game machine has a variable display part to show a plurality of patterns in a variable mode, a stop means to generate a stop instruction signal for stopping a variable display operation, and a control means to judge prize winning about a display status at a stop position via a random number sample, and then to control and stop the variable display operation after the generation of the stop instruction signal within the prescribed operation range on the basis of the judgement result. In this case, the control means has a collation means 91 to collate the pattern stop position required by the judgement result, so as to see whether the position corresponds to any of pattern stop positions available within the prescribed range, a plurality of collation sequence setting parts to differently set collation sequence, and a selector means 90 to select one of the collation sequence setting parts on the basis of a specific condition. The collation is made according to the selected collation sequence setting part, and the variable display part is stopped at the position concerned.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine for controlling a game mode using a control device such as a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer"), and in particular, as a variable display section for variably displaying a plurality of symbols (symbols). A slot machine equipped with mechanical display means comprising reels which are mechanically driven to rotate, or an electrical display means such as a liquid crystal display, an LED, a CRT, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, and a poker game machine. Related to gaming machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, slot machines, which are representative of gaming machines that determine the superiority or inferiority of gaming based on a display mode when a variable display section is stopped, have been devised since the gaming itself is monotonous. Was. In particular, complicated control has been made possible by incorporating microcomputer control. Above all, regarding the stop control of the variable display unit, it is detected that the stop switch is pressed when the reel is rotating, and the stop control is performed in consideration of the hit condition, etc., so that the stop switch is actually pressed from the time the stop switch is pressed. The so-called "slip" was intentionally performed until the game stopped, and this was one of the important game effects.

[0003] Since this "slip" is often related to the hit condition, it is a very interesting point for the player. Therefore, on the manufacturer side, if the hit condition is satisfied, control is performed such that "slip" is generated within an allowable range, and if not, the "slip" is not generated as much as possible. ,
It has been deemed appropriate to adopt a clever game method that excites the interest of players by differentiating between hits and losses. However, on the other hand, since the time from when the stop switch is pressed to when the variable display unit stops is a very short time, it is contradictory that it is required to perform stop control as simple as possible. Was.

For example, in a slot machine having three reels as a variable display portion and five winning determination lines, as a result of winning determination by random number sampling, three specific symbols “◎” can be arranged on an active line. As shown in FIG. 13, the first reel is stopped at the highest position where the symbol “◎” can be seen from the display window of the slot machine, and then the first reel is stopped. The two reels are in a state in which a symbol surrounded by a thick line is visible from the display window. At this time, each symbol is moving in the direction of the arrow due to the rotation of the reel.

If the stop switch of the second reel is pressed while a symbol as shown in the figure appears in the display window, the control unit of the slot machine determines the number with a circle shown on the right side of the second reel. In accordance with the order, each of the three reels is checked to see if it is a symbol stop position where there is a possibility that a symbol array of “◎” may be formed, and control is performed to stop the second reel at the corresponding stop position.

If the range in which the reel can be operated from when the stop switch is pressed until the reel stops is defined as up to four in terms of the number of symbols moved (number of frames), FIG.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a symbol displayed on the display window when the stop switch is pressed, and when stopping at this position, the symbol does not move. On the other hand, is a symbol displayed when one frame, two frames, three frames, and four frames are moved.

[0007] Therefore, the second, which may constitute a winning,
The stop position of the reel is such that two "◎" are arranged at the top of the display window, and two "◎" are arranged at the lower right of the display window.

However, according to the conventional stop position determination procedure, the stop position that first satisfies the winning determination result among the collated stop positions is determined as the stop position, and the reel is stopped. In the case of the example, the second reel stops at the position. The same processing as that for the second reel is performed for the third reel, but only the stop position for the third reel satisfies the winning determination result.
Eventually, three "◎" will stop at the top of the display window.

[0009]

In the above-described conventional stop control of the variable display section of the slot machine, there is also a purpose of simplifying the procedure of the stop control, and the control procedure for each variable display section is performed unless there is any trouble. And a control method of performing stop control in the same order of steps has been adopted. That is, conventionally, in order to determine the stop position of a symbol based on the result of winning determination by random number sampling, as shown in FIG. Increase by frame, 4
In the range of symbols that can be stopped up to the frame, the control of sequentially determining whether or not the symbol position is based on the result of the winning determination to determine the stop position is performed on all variable display units (generally constituted by three reels). ) In the same procedure, there were the following problems.

First, since the order of collation is determined to be from 0 to 4 frames, which are closer to distant, even if the collation result in the 4-frame movement satisfies the winning determination result, for example, If the collation result at 0 frames where there is no symbol movement is satisfied, the conventional stop position processing is made so that the one collated first has the priority of determining the stop position, so that The collation is stopped at 0 frames, and the stop control of the variable display unit ends. For this reason, the variable operation (symbol movement) of the variable display unit after pressing the stop switch tends to be reduced.

Second, since the variable display portions are collated in exactly the same order, the positions where the symbols stop may tend to be biased.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to variously change the stop position of the symbol of the variable display section so as not to be biased within a predetermined range, thereby variously changing the variable operation of the variable display section after pressing the stop switch. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine having a high game property that can be changed to keep the player from getting tired.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a variable display section for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a stop means for generating a stop command signal for stopping the variable display of the variable display section, Winning determination is performed by random number sampling on the display mode when the variable display is stopped, and based on the determination result, the variable display operation of the variable display unit after the stop command signal is generated is stopped and controlled within a predetermined operation range. An operation stop control unit, wherein the variable display operation stop control unit is a symbol stop position at which a symbol stop position requested based on the determination result can be stopped within the predetermined operation range. Collating means for collating one by one whether or not one of the above, a plurality of collating sequence setting units for setting the collating sequence to be different, and a plurality of collating sequence setting units Selecting means for selecting any one of the collation order setting sections based on a specific condition from among them, collating in accordance with the collation order setting section selected by the selection means, and selecting the variable display section at the corresponding symbol stop position. The variable display operation is stopped.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the collation order setting section and the specific condition are stored in a table memory.

As a specific condition for the selection means to make a selection, it is preferable to select a collation order setting unit using the timing of generation of a stop command signal. Alternatively, the collation order setting unit may be selected based on a value sampled by random number sampling in addition to the timing of generation of the stop command signal. Further, the collation order setting unit may be selected based on the timing of generation of the stop command signal, the value sampled by random number sampling, and the type of winning value to which the sampled value corresponds.

[0016]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the display of the variable display unit at the time of stop is controlled so as to be based on the result of the winning judgment by random number sampling, but the display of the variable display unit after the stop command signal is generated. Since the variable display operation is limited to a predetermined operation range, a stoppable symbol can be predicted in advance. For this reason, a plurality of collation order setting units that can stop the symbol of the variable display unit at various positions are provided, and the selection unit selects one from the plurality of collation order setting units based on a specific condition. Then, the collating means collates in the order set in the selected collation order setting section whether the symbol requested in the winning determination corresponds to a stoppable symbol position,
Control is performed to stop the variable display on the variable display unit at the corresponding symbol position. Thereby, the stop position of the symbol on the variable display section can be variously changed so as not to be biased within a predetermined range.

[0017]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment. In the center part of the main body of the slot machine 1, three reels 2, 3, and 4 each having a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter, referred to as symbols) are rotatably installed on each outer peripheral surface, It constitutes a variable display unit. The symbols on each of the reels 2, 3, and 4 can be observed three by one through the display windows 5, 6, and 7 of the slot machine 1. These display windows 5, 6, 7
On the lower right side of, there is provided a slot 8 for a player to insert a substitute currency called a coin, a medal or a token as a game medium (hereinafter, the game medium is described as a coin).

Below the display windows 5, 6, and 7, a BET switch 9 for betting up to three coins in one game by operating a push button, and a credit / payout (PLAY CREDIT / PAY OU
T) a credit / payment changeover switch 10 which is switched by a push button operation, and reels 2, 3, 4 by a lever operation
Start lever (switch) 1 to start rotation
In order to stop the rotation of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4 according to the operation of the player, stop switches 12, 13, and 14 are provided for each of the reels.

At the lower front part of the slot machine 1, a sound generated from a speaker 43 (FIG. 3) housed therein for generating a sound corresponding to a sound output signal generated by the main body control unit (FIG. 3). A sound-transmitting hole 15 for taking out to the outside and a coin receiving tray 17 for storing coins to be paid out from a coin payout opening 16 by switching the credit / payment changeover switch 10 are provided. A payout table showing whether only coins will be paid out is displayed.

The display windows 5, 6, and 7 are provided with three horizontal (central and vertical) and two diagonal winning lines shown by straight lines. Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one coin into the coin insertion slot 8, only the center pay line is activated, and when two players insert the coin, the upper and lower pay lines are added thereto. When inserted, all winning lines are activated. The activation of such a winning line is displayed to the player by turning on the activation line display lamps 19 arranged at both ends of each winning line.

In the slot machine 1, a coin inserted into the coin slot 8 is detected by a coin sensor 88 (FIG. 3) installed inside the slot 8, and the count and the authenticity of the coin are checked. When a coin is bet by inserting the coin or operating the BET switch 9, the line display lamp 19 lights up as described above,
Indicates that the winning line has been activated.

In the present embodiment, after the player inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 8, the three reels 2, 3, 4 are operated by operating the start lever 11 installed at the left end on the front.
Rotate all at once. When these rotations reach a certain speed, the operations of the stop switches 12, 13, and 14 provided corresponding to the respective reels are validated, so that the player performs an operation of pressing these switches. Thus, the rotation of the corresponding reel can be stopped. At this time, if the combination of symbols stopped on the pay line activated as described above corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the number of coins corresponding to the type of the winning is 17.
Will be paid out.

In the slot machine 1, three display lamps 82, 83, and 84 for producing a big hit effect are arranged at the upper end of the front upper portion 18 in order from the left, while a vertical interval is provided at the right end of the front center. In addition, a credit number display section 21 for displaying the number of coins currently credited, and a prize payout display section 22 for displaying the number of coins to be paid out to a player at the time of winning are arranged. 7 segments L according to the number of digits to be displayed
It is composed of ED.

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

In FIG. 2, three “7” s of the code number 1 represent “red”, and a mesh line such as “7” on the left reel of the code number 14 represents “blue”. That is, in the symbol row of FIG. 2, "7" is represented by two kinds of colors, red and blue. And "Red 7-
When red 7-red 7 "and blue 7-blue 7-blue 7" are aligned, a jackpot occurs, and the "bell" on the left reel of code number 4 is displayed.
A winning pattern is determined by a predetermined symbol combination, such that a small hit in which eight coins can be obtained occurs when the symbols are aligned.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a slot machine 1 of the embodiment.
It is a block diagram of the operation control part which controls the game operation in.

The control section is constituted by a microcomputer 30 as a main component, and a circuit for random number sampling added thereto. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 for performing a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 as storage means.
Signals are transmitted between a clock pulse generating circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 and a random number sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled as described later, and a peripheral device. An I / O port 38 for transmission and reception is connected. ROM32
Are a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, a collating sequence setting table 200 (FIG. 7) as a collating sequence setting unit, and a collating sequence selection table (for example, FIGS. )) And a storage section partitioned to store the sequence program. The contents of tables and the like stored in these storage units will be described later.

In the circuit of FIG. 3, the main peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 include reel driving mechanisms 72, 73, 74 for driving the reels 2, 3, and 4 to rotate, respectively. Activation line display lamp 19, a reel lamp 41 for illuminating a reel symbol from the inside, display lamps 82, 83, 84, a credit number display section 21, a winning payout number display section 22, and a hopper for storing coins (for payout). Drive unit 40) and a speaker 43, each of which is a motor drive circuit 4
4, a lamp driving circuit 45, a display unit driving circuit (for example, including a counter for counting the number of coins) 46, a hopper driving circuit 47, and a speaker driving circuit 48. These drive circuits are connected to the I / O
It is connected to the CPU 31 via the / O port 38.
Here, the reel drive mechanisms 72, 73, 74 include a reel rotation sensor and a reel position detection circuit described later.

The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal required for the microcomputer 30 to output a control signal includes a coin sensor 88 for detecting a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 8, the start lever 11, a start switch 89 for detecting the operation of each of the reels 2, 3, 4
The reel rotation sensor detects that the reel has rotated once, and receives a pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor to
A reel position detection circuit for generating signals for detecting the positions 3 and 4 (not shown because the reel rotation sensor and the reel position detection circuit are included in the aforementioned reel drive mechanisms 72, 73 and 74), The above-mentioned stop switch 12, 1
There are a stop command signal generation circuit 50 for generating a corresponding stop switch operation reception signal when the buttons 3 and 14 are pressed, and a coin detection unit 51 for counting the number of coins paid out from the hopper 40. These are also I / O ports. CP via 38
Connected to U31.

In this embodiment, the stop switches 12, 1
In order to stop the reels 2, 3, 4 when a certain period of time has elapsed even if the buttons 3, 14 are not pressed, a stop command signal is automatically generated from the stop command signal generating circuit 50, or the microcomputer 30 drives the reels. Mechanisms 72, 73, 74
Is configured to generate a stop command signal.

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

After the rotation of the reels 2, 3, and 4 is started,
The number of drive pulses supplied to each of the reel drive mechanisms 72, 73, 74 is counted, and the counted value is written to a predetermined area of the RAM 33. Further, a reset pulse is obtained from the reel rotation sensor for each rotation of the reels 2, 3, and 4. These pulses are transmitted to the reel driving mechanisms 72 and 7, respectively.
CP via the reel position detection circuit included in
It is input to U31. With these reset pulses,
The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to “0”. As a result, the RAM 33 stores the count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 2, 3, and 4.

In order to associate the rotation positions of the reels 2, 3, and 4 with the symbols, the symbol table is set to R.
It is stored in the OM32. In this symbol table, a code number sequentially assigned to each reel at a constant rotation pitch based on the rotation position at which the above-described reset pulse is generated, and a symbol code indicating a symbol provided for each code number. Is associated with.

The ROM 32 stores a winning symbol combination table. In this winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning coin payout number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The winning symbol combination table is referred to at the time of stop control of the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4 and at the time of confirming a winning after stopping all the reels.

Further, in the ROM 32, a winning probability table for determining which winning group the sampled random number belongs to, a collation order selection table 100 for determining the stop positions of the reels constituting the variable display section, and the like. A collation order setting table 200 and a program (sequence program) for executing a game in the slot machine 1 are stored.

Here, the outline of the game operation of the embodiment will be described. As described above, when the player operates the start lever 11 after the coin sensor 88 detects a predetermined number of valid coins and enters the game playable state, the player operates the start lever 11 according to a signal from the start switch 89 that detects the operation. , The CPU 31 sends a drive signal to the motor drive circuit 44 and the reel drive mechanism 7
While the reels 2, 3, and 4 are driven to rotate, one random number is sampled from the random number generator 36 at an appropriate timing.
It is determined which winning group belongs to the winning probability table in M32. Then, when the player operates the stop switches 12, 13, and 14, the CPU 31 sets the collation order selection table 100 so as to follow the result of the winning determination at the timing of generation of the stop command signal from the stop command signal generation circuit 50. From the collation order setting table 200, it is determined how many symbols (frames) each of the reels 2, 3, and 4 is to be slid and stopped, and a control signal is sent to the motor drive circuit 44 to determine each reel. Stop for a few minutes.

As a result of the winning confirmation after stopping the reel,
In the case of a prize, coin payout data corresponding to the type of the prize is supplied to the display drive circuit 46, and a predetermined number of coins are paid out from the hopper 40. At that time, the coin detecting section 51 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 40, and sends a payout completion signal to the CPU 31 when the counted value reaches the number data from the display section driving circuit 46. As a result, the CPU 31
Then, the drive of the hopper 40 is stopped via 7 and the coin payout ends.

In the circuit configuration of FIG. 3, the random number generator 36 and the random number sampling circuit 37 which are separate circuits from the microcomputer 30 are used as means for sampling the random number. The random number sampling may be executed on the operation program. In this case, the random number generator 36 and the random number sampling circuit 37 may be omitted, or may be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation without being omitted.

The outline of the gaming operation in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment has been described above.

Next, the variable display operation stop control of the variable display section (three reels in the embodiment) after the winning determination is described.

As described above, the prize determination by random number sampling is performed, and the reel stop control is performed based on the determination result, which is the same as the conventional stop control. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the variable display shown in FIG. As shown in the flowchart showing the outline of the operation stop control, the procedure or the process of determining the stop position of the reel is characterized. The details will be described below.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 90 denotes a selection means for selecting a collation order setting table 200 constituting a collation order setting section for determining the stop position of each reel.

The selecting means 90 is configured to execute a step of determining the collation order selection table 100 (ST1) and a step of determining the collation order setting table 200 (ST2). Here, collation order selection table 1
00 plays a role of a lottery device for selecting one from a plurality of collation order setting tables 200 for directly determining a reel stop position, and when a specific condition is input,
It is like a comparison table that enables the collation order setting table 200 to be determined.

The collation order setting table 200 indicates that when the stop switch is pressed, all the symbol positions within the predetermined operation range of the variable display operation (that is, within the range in which the symbols can be slid) are displayed. This is a table in which the order of collating whether or not the winning determination result can be satisfied is set.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining the collation order setting table 200 by the selection means.

First, it is determined whether or not the random number value sampled by the random number generator 36 and the random number sampling circuit 37 is a prize (ST20). The type of winning (winning group) is specified according to the winning value (ST21).

Next, the numerical value of the sampled random number itself is specified as one of the specific conditions for determining the collation order selection table (ST22). At this time, the specified random number value may be a random number value directly used for the winning determination, or a random number table not directly related to the game winning determination at the time of random number sampling may be provided. Alternatively, it may be specified by using a random number sampled from. Then, the collation order selection table 100 is determined from the winning type and the random number value specified as described above (S
T23). This collation order selection table 100 usually has 3
About 0 types are prepared.

On the other hand, if the winning is not determined in ST20, the random value is specified as in the case of the winning (S20).
T24), a collation order selection table corresponding to the random number is determined (ST25). In this case, the stop control may be performed by directly accessing when it is determined that there is no winning according to a fixed collating sequence conventionally used without using a collation order selection table similar to that at the time of winning. . Further, the collation order selection table used in the case of a prize may be used as a common table even in the case of no prize.

Here, the concept of the collation order selection table 100 will be specifically described. Representative ones are shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and (B).

FIG. 6A shows a symbol combination in which the type of prize in the prize determination is “◎-◎-◎” and the first random number value determined when the sampled random value is “0”.
Is shown in FIG. This selection table is composed of four columns. That is, from the left, a reel position (indicated by a code number in FIG. 2) column 111 for specifying a symbol position corresponding to the timing at which the stop switch is pressed and the stop command signal is generated, and a stop command for the first reel described later. A selection number field 112 of the collation order setting table for the first reel in which a selection number for identifying one table from the collation order setting table 200 corresponding to the symbol position where the signal is generated is written. The selection number field 113 of the collation order setting table for the two reels and the selection number field 114 of the collation order setting table for the third reel are provided.

According to the table 110, for example, when the stop position of the first reel is "10", the data for selecting the search order is "4" (☆ (1) in the figure) and the second The search order selection data selected when the reel stop position is “15” is “3” (☆ (2) in the figure).

FIG. 6 (B) shows a symbol combination in which the type of winning based on the winning determination is "判定-“-◎ ", and the second determined when the sampled random value is" 1 ". Is shown in FIG. The meaning of each column is the same as that in FIG.

The collation order selection table in the case of non-winning is basically the same as the collation order selection table for prize, and one collation order selection table is determined in the loss table with a random number value as a specific condition. Is done.

As described above, the collation order selection table 1
00 is determined.

Referring again to FIG. 5, when the stop switch is pressed, a stop command signal is generated from the stop command signal generation circuit 50, and in response to this signal, the microcomputer 30 is rotating at a predetermined position when the stop command signal is generated. Is determined, the timing at which the stop switch is pressed is specified (ST26), and the reel is specified by determining which reel the stop command signal is from (ST27). . That is, the collation order selection table 1
As described in the condition for selecting 00, ST
26, the code number is specified from the reel position (represented by the code number in FIG. 2) column 111 of the collation order selection table 100, and the first to third codes are determined by ST27.
Selection number fields 112-1 of the reel collation order setting table
From 14, a reel is specified. As described above, the collation order setting table 200 is determined (ST28).

More specifically, a description will be given using the first winning collation order selection table 110 shown in FIG. 6A, for example.
Assuming that the timing at which the stop switch is pressed is “6” in the code number and the reel on which the stop switch is pressed is the second reel, first, “6” in the reel position column 111 is specified, The selection number field 113 of the collation order setting table for the second reel is specified. And the number "3", which is the intersection of these two columns,
This is a selection number for selecting one from the plurality of collation order setting tables 200. The selection number “3” corresponds to the table (D) in the six collation order setting tables (A) to (G) of the collation order setting table 200 shown in FIG.

This table is conceptually as follows. First, a selection number column 210 indicating the selection number determined by the collation order selection table 100, which is an address assigned to identify the six tables, and all the numbers within the predetermined operation range of the reel after the stop command signal is generated. Collation position column 212 that represents the symbol stoppable position of
And a collation order column 211 that indicates a collation order for collating whether a symbol that will stop at that address and the type of winning determined as a result of the winning determination by random number sampling correspond.

Here, the concept of the collation position is basically the same as that described in the prior art, but in more detail FIG.
It will be described based on.

First, in FIG.
0 is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and the symbols are represented by symbols “▲”, “，”,
These are indicated by “7”, “□”, and “×”. Symbol column 30
The number to the left of 0 is a code number corresponding to each symbol also shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, a thick frame surrounding the symbol is the display window shown in FIG. This symbol row 30
It is assumed that 0 is currently moving (variable operation) in the direction of the arrow.

Here, when the movement, which is the variable display operation of the symbol array, is in the state of FIG. 8A, that is, when the symbols “◎”, “▲”, and “×” are located in the display window from below. ,
Assuming that a stop command signal has been generated, and assuming that the predetermined operation range of the reel after the stop command signal has been generated is a range in which up to four symbols can be moved, the stop positions of all the symbols within the operation range are as follows. There are five patterns.

First, if the symbol does not move at all after the generation of the stop command signal, the stop position of the symbol is the state itself shown in FIG. 8A, and this position is represented by this position. Next, when the symbol moves by one frame, this symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow, so that the symbol appearing in the display window is in a state where the symbol row shown in FIG. That is, the symbols 9, 8, and 7 represented by the code numbers are displayed on the display window. This is shown in FIG.
The position shown in FIG. Similarly, the two-frame movement is as shown in FIG. 8C, the three-frame movement is as shown in FIG. 8D, and the four-frame movement is as shown in FIG. The numbers of the above five patterns are used as addresses to check the collation position column 212 in FIG.
Is shown in

In this way, in ST28 of FIG. 5, the collation order setting table 200 used for the stop control is determined. Therefore, returning to the flowchart of FIG.
T2 is determined. And, in FIG.
Collation order setting table 2 included in the collation means indicated by 1
00 is performed to determine the symbol stop position.

First, based on the collation order in the collation order column 211 of the collation order setting table 200 determined as described above, collation is performed to determine whether or not the stop position constitutes the winning symbol array satisfying the winning determination result ( ST3). As a result of this collation, if the stop position constitutes the winning symbol array, the collation position is determined as the symbol stop position (ST8), the symbol is stopped at the determined position (ST10), and the process is terminated. Becomes

Here, the steps of ST3 and ST8 in FIG. 4 will be specifically described.

Now, it is assumed that the first reel 2 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 11 and stop control is performed so as to satisfy the requirement of the winning symbol array of "◎-◎-◎" as a result of the winning determination. . Then, assuming that the timing at which the stop switch of the second reel is pressed, that is, the timing at which the stop command signal is generated, is “6” in the reel position column of the winning collation order selection table 110 in FIG. The collation order setting table selected by the selection number column 113 of the two-reel collation order setting table is “3”. This "3"
Since it is the collation order setting table (D) of FIG. 7 as described above, collation is started in accordance with the collation order of this table (D).

The collation order of this table (D) is →→
Since →→, the symbol stop position in FIG.
, The stop position of the second reel is a position as shown in FIG. 9, and the symbol can be stopped. In the winning determination, as described above, the winning symbol arrangement of “”-◎-◎ ”is required, so the matching position and the matching position in FIG. 9 are applicable. However, since the matching order is early, the position of ST8 is determined by ST8. The stop position is determined.

Similarly, in the case of the third reel, if the collation order setting table of “4”, that is, FIG. 7E is selected by the collation order selection table 100, the collation order of this table becomes →→ Since →→, a stop position as shown in FIG. 10 is possible, as in the case of the second reel. Among these, the winning symbol arrangement of "◎-◎-◎" can be configured, so that at the time of collating the position, the stop position is finally determined via ST3 and ST8 in FIG. However, in the case of the other collation positions, for example, since the winning symbol array is not configured in ST3, the process proceeds to the next step ST4, and whether or not the winning symbol array other than the array satisfying the winning determination result is completed. Is determined (ST4). At the current position, there is no possibility that the winning arrangements other than "◎-◎-◎" will be aligned, and thus the stop position is not the stop position for completing the winning symbol arrangement.

At this time, since the position to stop the third reel has not been determined yet, the current position is reserved as a stoppable position for the time being (ST5). Further, since all the collations in the collation order setting table (E in FIG. 7) have not been completed yet (ST6), the remaining →→→
Are collated (ST7). Then, since the determination of ST3 is satisfied at the position, the above-mentioned reserved position becomes unnecessary, and the stop control is performed at the position as shown in FIG. Will be.

Next, a case where the determination result of random number sampling is not winning will be described. First, the same collation order setting table 200 for the second and third reels is used as in the case of winning, and the stop position of the first reel is also the same as in the case of winning as shown in FIG. Assuming that the stop position of the second reel is the same as in the case of winning. This is "NO" in step ST3 of FIG.
Go to T4. In ST4, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol array is at the stop position at which the winning symbol array is completed. Since the stop control of the second reel is still in progress, the winning symbol array is displayed even if it is lined up to the lower right with "◎-◎". Is not completed, so "NO". Therefore, in the next ST5, the position is reserved as a stoppable position. Then, in ST5 and ST6, the remaining collation is performed. Since the remaining verification positions do not satisfy the conditions of ST3 and ST4,
The stoppable position reserved in the above ST5 is determined as a position to stop the symbol (ST9), and the second reel is actually stopped at the position (ST1).
0).

Regarding the stop position of the third reel,
Although the position shown in FIG. 10 is the stoppable position, in ST5 of FIG. 4, the first position in the collation order is the stoppable position, and by ST9 and ST10, FIG.
It is stopped at the position shown in FIG.

As described above, the stop position of each reel is determined.

In the embodiment, as the specific conditions for selecting the collation order setting table, the generation timing of the stop command signal, the numerical value sampled by the random number sampling, and the type of the winning value corresponding to the sampled numerical value are adopted. As described above, the collation order setting table may be selected only by the stop command signal generation timing. Also,
The collation order setting table may be selected using two of the generation timing of the stop command signal and the numerical value sampled by random number sampling.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, the symbol stop position of the variable display section after the operation of the stop switch is changed variously within a predetermined range, so that the symbol arrangement at the time of winning is stopped without bias. it can. This allows the player to realize a different “slip” for each game even with the same prize, so that the player is less bored than before.
A game with increased interest can be provided.

In addition, since the collation order setting section and the specific conditions are stored in the table memory, the stop position can be determined only by accessing the table, so that the control time can be reduced. Further, the stop position can be easily changed only by rewriting the table memory.

When the specific condition for selecting the collation order setting table is determined only by the timing of generation of the stop command signal, the configuration is simple, a certain degree of technical intervening of the player can be utilized, and the stop position can be utilized. Can be expected to be diverse.

When two of the specific conditions, the timing of generation of the stop command signal and the numerical value sampled by random number sampling, are used, the stop control can be performed in such a manner that the skill of the player can be eliminated as much as possible. Further, as in the embodiment, the specific condition is defined as a timing at which a stop command signal is generated,
If the numerical value sampled by the random number sampling and the numerical value correspond to the type of the winning value, the collation order setting table is determined more randomly and fairly. Therefore, the variety of stop positions is also increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of symbol arrays arranged on three reels.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a stop control operation by a variable display operation stop control unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a collation order setting table by a selection unit.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of a collation order selection table.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of a collation order setting table.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram showing positions where symbols can be stopped within a predetermined operation range.

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram showing symbol positions where a second reel can be stopped.

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing symbol positions where a third reel can be stopped.

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing an arrangement of stop symbols on each reel when a winning determination is a winning.

FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram showing an arrangement of stop symbols on each reel when a winning determination is a loss.

FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram showing a conventional symbol collation order.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 slot machine, 2, 3, 4 ... reel, 5, 6, 7
... display window, 12, 13, 14 ... stop switch, 19 ... activation line display lamp, 21 ... credit number display part, 2
2 ... winning number display section, 30 ... microcomputer,
31 CPU, 32 ROM, 33 RAM, 34 clock pulse generating circuit, 35 frequency divider, 36 random number generator, 37 random number sampling circuit, 38 I / O port, 41 reel lamp, 44 ... Motor drive circuit, 50
... Stop command signal generation circuit, 72, 73, 74 ... reel drive mechanism, 82, 83, 84 ... display lamp, 100 ... collation order selection table, 110 ... first winning collation order selection table, 120 ... second Winning collation order selection table, 200 ... collation order setting table. 90 ... selection means,
91 ... collation means.

Claims (5)

[Claims] A variable display section for variably displaying a plurality of symbols;
Stop means for generating a stop command signal for stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and winning determination by random number sampling for the display mode when the variable display of the variable display unit is stopped, based on the determination result, A variable display operation stop control unit that stops and controls the variable display operation of the variable display unit after a stop command signal is generated within a predetermined operation range, wherein the variable display operation stop control unit includes: A matching means for checking whether the symbol stop position requested based on any of the symbol stop positions that can be stopped within the predetermined operation range one by one, and an order of matching by the matching means. A plurality of collation order setting units to be set differently; and a selecting means for selecting any one collation order setting unit from the plurality of collation order setting units based on a specific condition. A gaming machine that performs collation in accordance with a collation order setting unit selected by the selection unit, and stops the variable display operation of the variable display unit at a corresponding symbol stop position. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said collation order setting section and said specific condition are stored in a table memory. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific condition is a timing at which the stop command signal is generated. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said specific condition is a generation timing of said stop command signal and a numerical value sampled by said random number sampling. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the specific condition is a generation timing of the stop command signal, a numerical value sampled by the random number sampling, and a type of a winning value corresponding to the sampled numerical value. Gaming machine.