JP2000197725A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely transmit to the player the internal processing information supplied for the operation of a stop switch by a player. SOLUTION: A front panel 11 is provided with three indication meters 50a, 50b, 50c for analogically displaying the internal processing information supplied for the operation of a stop switch. By the swing of these indication meters 50a, 50b, and 50c, whether or not a specific symbol is hit by an internal lot- drawing treatment, whether or not the operation of the stop switch is activated, or whether or not the specific symbol is passed through a prescribed position are indicated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a variable symbol display for displaying a plurality of symbols by moving and displaying the symbols, stopping the moving display, and displaying one of the symbols on a predetermined pay line. Regarding slot machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional slot machine generally uses a reel having a plurality of symbols on its outer peripheral surface as a variable symbol display. In a typical slot machine, three reels are provided, and when a medal is inserted into a medal slot, when a start lever is operated,
Three reels start at once. A stop switch is provided for each reel, and when the stop switch is sequentially operated, the corresponding reel stops.

When a predetermined combination of symbols is formed on the pay line when all reels are stopped, the game is awarded, and a predetermined number of medals according to the type of award are paid out in the game. Will be paid out as. When a specific symbol combination is established on the pay line, the game is a special winning, and a bonus game is given as a privilege given to the player.

In recent models, as a bonus game,
A bonus game called "regular bonus",
A bonus game called a “big bonus” in which the “regular bonus” can be executed a plurality of times (for example, three times) is provided. The player can obtain a large number of medals by executing these bonus games.

In a conventional slot machine, when a start lever is operated, a lottery process is executed inside the machine, and when a lottery is hit, a symbol (hereinafter, referred to as a symbol "") is established in response to a stop operation by a player. A so-called pull-in control is executed in which a symbol for establishing a special prize (hereinafter, referred to as a "special prize symbol") or a reel for stopping a reel is executed.
In the case of a lottery, in the case of a lottery relating to a special prize (hereinafter, referred to as a "special lottery"), the state of the special lottery is carried over to a subsequent game until a special prize is established. In the case of a lottery related to a prize other than a special prize (hereinafter, referred to as "normal lottery"),
This is only for the game, and the state per lottery is not usually carried over to the subsequent games.

In recent models, when a player operates a stop switch, information relating to internal processing useful to the player (hereinafter referred to as “internal processing information”) is transmitted by light, voice, or the like.
The game is provided to the player by a buzzer sound or the like, thereby improving the customer service and increasing the interest and expectation of the player for the game. For example, when there is a special lottery in the internal lottery process, a notification lamp is turned on or a sound is generated to notify the player that the special winning symbol is likely to stop on the winning line. ing. Also, when there is a special lottery, every time the special winning symbol passes on the winning line, the notification lamp is turned on or a buzzer sound is generated, and the operation timing of the stop switch which can aim at the special winning symbol is set. Notifying players.

[0007]

However, a game hall such as a pachinko hall in which a slot machine is installed,
Generally, the inside of the hall is noisy, and it is difficult to hear voices and buzzers. Also, in a game hall such as a pachinko hall, the inside of the hall is bright, and the slot machine is provided with a large number of illuminated lamps. Such overlooking of the voice or buzzer sound and oversight of the turning on of the notification lamp are particularly common for beginners, and cause inequality in customer service, and there is a problem that lack of consideration for beginners.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and adopts a display system capable of reliably transmitting internal processing information used for operation of a stop switch by a player to the player. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine capable of improving the service for all customers and increasing the interest and expectation of a player for a game.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a plurality of symbol variable displays capable of moving and displaying a plurality of symbols, a plurality of stop switches provided corresponding to each symbol variable display, and a game. A control device for starting the moving display of the symbol variable display by a start operation and then stopping the moving display of the variable symbol display by operating a stop switch, the slot machine comprising: A display meter for displaying the processing information in an analog manner by the movement of the pointer is provided.

In the invention according to claim 2, the control device has a function of controlling a stop operation of the variable symbol display so that a specific symbol hit in the internal lottery process stops at a predetermined position. Is displayed on the display meter in relation to whether or not the symbol has been hit in the internal lottery process.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the control device activates the operation of the stop switch on condition that the moving speed of the symbol reaches a predetermined value after the variable symbol display starts moving and displaying the symbol. A function is provided, and the internal processing information relating to whether or not the operation of the stop switch is activated is displayed on the display meter.

In the invention according to claim 4, the control device has a function of controlling a stop operation of the symbol variable display so that a specific symbol hit in the internal lottery process stops at a predetermined position. The internal processing information relating to whether or not the symbol has passed a predetermined position is displayed on the display meter.

[0013]

When the pointer of the display meter swings, the player obtains the internal processing information related to the operation of the stop switch from the swing of the pointer and operates the stop switch with reference to the internal processing information.

According to the slot machine of the present invention, the player is provided with internal processing information relating to whether or not a particular symbol has been hit in the internal lottery processing. Aim at the symbol of.

In the slot machine according to the third aspect, since the player is provided with the internal processing information on whether or not the operation of the stop switch is activated, the player obtains the internal processing information and allows the player to operate the stop switch. Perform the operation.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the player is provided with internal processing information on whether or not a specific symbol has passed a predetermined position, so that the player operates the stop switch at an appropriate timing. .

[0017]

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated slot machine, an airframe 1 is configured by attaching a door 3 to the front opening of a main body 2 in a housing so as to be openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 2, a circuit board 5 on which a reel block 4 and a control device are mounted at an upper position, and a medal payout having a hopper 6a for accommodating a large number of medals at a lower position, as shown in FIG. The machines 6 are respectively incorporated.

The reel block 4 comprises a metal frame 7
, Three reels 8a, 8b, 8c are integrally assembled. Each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c constitutes a three symbol variable display, and on its outer peripheral surface, a special winning symbol for establishing a special winning, another winning symbol for establishing a winning, and a plurality of irrelevant winning symbols. Seed symbols and the like are shown. Stepping motors 9a, 9b, 9c for individually rotating and driving the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are assembled to the reel block 4. The variable symbol display device is not limited to the reels 8a, 8b, 8c, but may be a device using a belt or an image display means such as a liquid crystal display panel.

The front surface of the door portion 3 is provided on each of the reels 8a, 8
Front panel 11 having three symbol display windows 20a, 20b, 20c for displaying symbols b, 8c
And upper panel 1 for displaying model name and game information
2 and a lower panel 13. Each panel 1
1, 12, 13 are formed by performing silk screen printing on the surface of a transparent synthetic resin plate or tempered glass.

Below the front panel 11, a starting lever 1 is provided.
Four or three stop switches 15a, 15b, 15c and a medal slot 16 are provided, and a medal discharge port 17 and a medal tray 18 are provided below the lower panel 13, respectively. The medal insertion slot 16 is a part for receiving insertion of medals. The starting lever 14 has three reels 8a,
8b and 8c are started simultaneously. The three stop switches 15a, 15b, 15c are for individually stopping the corresponding reels 8a, 8b, 8c.

As shown in FIG. 3, three uncolored and transparent symbol display windows 20a, 20b and 20c surrounded by a color print layer are arranged side by side in the center of the surface of the front panel 11, as shown in FIG. It is. Each symbol display window 20a, 20b, 20c
Behind each reel 8 of the reel block 4.
a, 8b, 8c indicate the outer peripheral surfaces of the symbol display windows 20a, 2a.
0b, 20c. Each of the symbol display windows 20a, 20b, and 20c is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape so that the symbols S for three frames can be seen when the reel is stopped.

On the surface of the front panel 11, the reels 8a, 8b viewed from the symbol display windows 20a, 20b, 20c are provided.
three horizontal pay lines L1 to L3 connecting the symbols S of three frames b and 8c in the horizontal direction, and the reels 8a, 8b and 8
Two diagonal winning lines L4, L5 connecting diagonally the symbols S for three frames of c are shown. When the reels are stopped, each reel 8 is placed on these five pay lines L1 to L5.
The symbols S of a, 8b and 8c are arranged.

In this slot machine, a so-called credit game system in which a plurality of medals are inserted in the medal slot 16 in advance and stored in the machine, and a game is performed using the stored medals, is performed. I can do it. Therefore, on the front surface of the door part 3,
A stored number display 32 for digitally displaying the number of medals stored in the machine, three types of bet button switches 33, 34, and 35 for selecting the number of used medals for one game and starting the game, and displaying the number of stored medals. A settlement switch 36 for instructing settlement is provided. Further, in this embodiment, the player can select a conventional game system in which one to three medals are inserted for each game to perform a game, or a credit game system in which a game is performed using stored medals. It has become. For this purpose, a changeover switch 37 for selecting one of the game modes is provided.

The above five pay lines L1 to L5 are:
The insertion of one medal into the medal insertion slot 16 or the pressing operation of the first bet button switch 33 activates the central horizontal pay line L1. By inserting two medals or pressing the second bet button switch 34, three horizontal pay lines L1 to L3 are activated. By inserting three medals or pressing the third bet button switch 35, all five pay lines L1 to L5 are activated. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 19 denotes a fluorescent lamp for illumination provided inside the front panel 11.

In this slot machine, the medal slot 1
Insertion of medals into 6 or bet button switches 33, 3
When the start lever 14 is operated after the winning line is activated by the operations of 4, 35, the lottery process is performed inside the machine. After that, when the stop switches 15a, 15b, 15c are pressed, if a lottery is performed, each reel 8a is set so that a predetermined symbol based on the lottery result of the lottery process is stopped on the activated pay line. , 8b, 8c are controlled. In particular, the stop operation of each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c is controlled so that the special winning symbol stops on the activated winning line when the above-mentioned special lottery is won.

In the lottery process, a random number generated by a random number generator is sampled, and it is determined whether or not the sampled random number value is within a predetermined range. It is determined whether or not a winning symbol has been won. It is to be noted that this kind of lottery process is known, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

The front panel 11 has display meters 50a, corresponding to the three reels 8a, 8b, 8c at positions directly below the three symbol display windows 20a, 20b, 20c.
50b and 50c are provided. Each display meter 50
a, 50b and 50c are stop switches 15 by the player.
For displaying the internal processing information used for the operations of a, 15b, and 15c in an analog manner, in this embodiment, whether or not the special winning symbol has been hit in the internal lottery processing is determined by the stop switches 15a, 15b, and 15c. Internal processing information such as whether the operation has been activated and whether the special winning symbol has passed through the activated pay line is displayed on the display meters 50a, 50b, 50c.

Each of the display meters 50a, 50b, 50c is
As shown in FIG. 4, the configuration is such that a player can imagine a speedometer of a car. A scale plate 51 on which an annular scale is represented and a pointer 52 which can swing on the scale plate 51 are provided. Be composed. The scale of the scale plate 51 includes a low speed region 53A indicating a speed range of 0 to 50,
A middle speed region 53B indicating a speed range of 100 to 100;
A high-speed area 53C indicating a speed range of 160 is color-coded and divided. The pointer 52 has a proximal end supported at the center of the scale plate 51 so that the distal end swings clockwise along the scale.

In order to provide the player with internal processing information (hereinafter referred to as "first information") relating to whether or not a special winning symbol has been won in the internal lottery processing, in this embodiment, three display meters are provided. Although the first information is displayed using the center display meter 50b among the 50a, 50b, 50c, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display may be performed using all three display meters 50a, 50b, 50c. Good.

In this embodiment, first information indicating whether or not a special winning symbol has been won in the internal lottery process is displayed on the central display meter 50b in accordance with the reliability of the information. When the pointer 52 indicates the full scale, the reliability is set to 100%. When the pointer 52 specifies the high-speed area 53C (FIG. 4A), the reliability is set to 60%.
%, The pointer 52 indicates the medium speed region 53B (FIG. 4 (2)), the reliability is 30%, and the pointer 52 is in the low speed region 5B.
When 3A is designated, the reliability is set to 3%.

If the pointer 52 indicates full scale, the probability that the special winning symbol has been won in the internal lottery process is 100%. Similarly, if the pointer 52 indicates, for example, the high-speed area 53C, the probability that the special winning symbol has been hit in the internal lottery process is 60%.

The stop switches 15a, 15b, 15
In this embodiment, three display meters 50a, 5 are provided in order to provide the player with internal processing information (hereinafter, referred to as "second information") relating to whether or not the operation of c is activated.
Although the second information is displayed using 0b and 50c, if the operation of the stop switches 15a, 15b and 15c is all activated at the same time, the three display meters 50a, 50b, Any of 50c may be used for displaying the second information.

In this embodiment, the stop switches 15a, 1
Whether or not the operation of each of the display meters 5b and 15c is activated is determined according to the rotation speed of the reels 8a, 8b and 8c.
The pointers 52a, 50b, and 50c are configured to swing largely. As shown in FIG. 4C, when the movement of the pointer 52 reaches the middle speed region 53B and stops, the stop switches 15a, 15b, It means that the operation of 15c has been activated. After activating the operation of the stop switches 15a, 15b, 15c, the pointer 52 is returned to zero.
The indication of the pointer 52 may be held until the corresponding stop switch 15a, 15b, 15c is operated.

Further, in order to provide the player with internal processing information (hereinafter, referred to as "third information") relating to whether or not the special winning symbol has passed the activated winning line, this embodiment will be described. Although the third information is displayed using the display meter corresponding to the reel to be stopped third, the stop switches 15a, 15b, and 15c are
Since it is customary that the operation is performed in the order of the center and the right, only the display meter 50c corresponding to the reel 8c at the right end is changed to the third one.
May be used to display the information. This third information is provided only when two reels are stopped and two special winning symbols are arranged on the same winning line.

In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the special winning symbol has passed the activated winning line (FIG. 4 (4)).
As shown in the figure, the pointer 52 of the display meter is swung in the range of the high-speed area 53C in synchronization with one rotation of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c.
When the full scale of 3C is reached, it means that the special winning symbol of the rotating reel is passing through a winning line for establishing a special winning.

In the above embodiment, the possibility of winning is notified by the swing of the pointer 52 of the display meter. However, only when the internal lottery is hit, the high-speed area 53 including the full scale is displayed.
The pointer 52 may be configured to swing in C. Also,
The display meters 50a, 50b, and 50c may use a fan-shaped scale plate 51 as shown in FIG. 5 instead of the ring-shaped scale plate 51, and a rectangular scale plate as in an embodiment described later. A scale plate 51 may be used. Further, in the above embodiment, three display meters 50a, 50b, 50c are provided corresponding to the positions of the respective reel display windows 20a, 20b, 20c.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one display meter 50 may be provided as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The display meter 50 in these embodiments is configured to image a speedometer of an automobile, similarly to the above-described embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, in order to exclusively display the first information, the second symbol display window 20 is used.
It is located just below b. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
In order to exclusively display the above-described third information, the third information is arranged directly below the third symbol display window 20c.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a display meter 50 having a structure that makes the image of an automobile speedometer is used. However, instead of this display meter 50, a display meter 50 having a structure as shown in FIG. Can also be used. The display meter 50 displays the type of a special lottery when an internal lottery process is performed, and includes a scale plate 51 having an annular scale and a scale plate 5.
1 and a pointer 52 that can swing up. The scale plate 5
The scale of 1 is the area 53P indicating "Big Bonus"
And an area 53Q indicating “regular bonus” are classified by color. The pointer 52 swings to the area 53P if there is a special lottery of “Big Bonus”, and the pointer 52 swings to the area 53Q if there is a lottery of “Regular Bonus”.

FIG. 9 shows four display meters 50a to 50d.
Are shown in Examples. In this embodiment, the above-described second and third information are displayed by three display meters 50a, 50b and 50c provided at positions corresponding to the respective reel display windows 20a, 20b and 20c. The first information is displayed by the fourth display meter 50d arranged at the left end. As shown in FIG. 10, the display meter 50d for displaying the first information has a scale plate 51 on which a scale indicating a reliability and a numerical value are displayed.

It is to be noted that the display meter 50d may have a rectangular shape as shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the pointer 5
2 may be used, or the scale plate 51 may be moved with respect to the fixed pointer 52 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 shows an electrical configuration of the above-described slot machine. In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit composed of a microcomputer, which is a CPU that is a main body of control and calculation
41, ROM 4 for storing programs and fixed data
2. In addition to the RAM 43 used for reading and writing data,
A random number generator 45 is included.

The CPU 41 has a stepping motor 9 for driving the reels 8a, 8b, 8c via a bus 49.
a, 9b, 9c, medal payout machine 6, stored number display 3
Output parts such as a few display meters 50a, 50b, 50c, a medal detection sensor 46, a starting lever 14,
Bet button switches 33, 34, 35, three stop switches 15a, 15b, 15c, a settlement switch 36,
Input parts such as a changeover switch 37 are connected. CPU
41 is R according to a program stored in the ROM 42.
In addition to reading and writing data to and from the AM 43, the operation of the input / output units is controlled in series, and the random number generator 4
The random number value generated in step 5 is sampled and a lottery process is executed.

The medal payout machine 6 includes a settlement switch 36
Is operated, and the number of medals displayed on the stored number display 32 is paid out to the medal tray 18 from the medal discharge port 17. The medal detection sensor 49 detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 16 and outputs a medal detection signal.

FIG. 13 shows the flow of control by the control unit 40. In the drawing, ST means each step in a series of control flows. In ST1 of FIG.
1 is waiting for a game start operation by the player. When the player operates the start lever 14 after inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 16 or pressing one of the bet button switches 33, 34, 35, the determination of ST1 becomes "Y".
"ES", the CPU 41 executes an internal lottery process by sampling the random number value generated by the random number generator 45, and simultaneously starts the three reels 8a, 8b, 8c (ST2, 3). Almost simultaneously with the start of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c, the CPU 41 causes the central display meter 50b to display first information indicating whether or not a special winning symbol has been won in the internal lottery process (ST4). The display of the first information here is performed by instantly swinging the pointer 52.

In the next ST5, the CPU 41 causes the three display meters 50a, 50b, 50c to display the second information indicating whether the operation of the stop switches 15a, 15b, 15c has been activated. In the next ST6,
It is determined whether or not the number of revolutions of each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c has reached a predetermined value. If the determination becomes "YES", the pointer 52 of the corresponding display meter is temporarily stopped from swinging. Then, it is returned to zero (ST7).

The activation of the stop switches 15a, 15b, 15c allows the player to stop the switches 15a, 15b, 1
5c, the determination in ST8 is "YE
S ", and the CPU 41 stops the corresponding reel (ST8, ST9). In the next ST10 and ST11, it is determined whether or not the number of reels has stopped. If the number of stopped reels is one, both ST10 and ST11 are "NO".
Then, the process returns to ST8 and waits for the next stop operation.

When the next stop switch is operated, ST
The determination of No. 8 is “YES”, and the corresponding reel stops (ST9). When the two reels stop, ST
The determination at 10 is "YES", and the process proceeds to ST12, where it is determined whether or not a state in which two special winning symbols are arranged on the activated winning line, that is, a so-called "reach state". If the “reach state” is established, ST
The determination at 12 is “YES”, and the CPU 41 again determines
After the first information is instantaneously displayed by the central display meter 50b, the third information indicating whether or not the special winning symbol has passed the winning line is displayed by the display meter of the rotating reel position. . If "reach state"
Are not satisfied, ST13 and ST14 are skipped.

When the final stop switch is operated, ST
8 is "YES", the corresponding reel stops (ST9), and the subsequent determination in ST10 is "NO" and the next determination in ST11 is "YES". Is determined to be a stop after the “reach state”. If the determination in ST15 is “YES”, the CPU 41 stops the display of the third information by the display meter in ST16, and then displays a special winning symbol or a normal winning symbol on the activated winning line. It is determined whether or not the combination is established (ST
17). If the determination in ST15 is "NO", S
T16 is skipped and the process proceeds to ST17.

As a result of the winning determination in ST17, if the winning is established, the determination in ST18 is "YES" and the process proceeds to the winning process. On the other hand, if the winning is not established, the process proceeds to the losing process. . In the winning process, the CPU 41
A payout of a medal is made to the player, and in the case of a special prize, the game shifts to a bonus game.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention, since a display meter for displaying the internal processing information used for operating the stop switch in an analog manner by the swing of the pointer is provided, regardless of the skill or the beginner, the display meter in the game hall is provided. Internal processing information is reliably transmitted to the player without any adverse effects such as noise and lighting,
The player can operate the stop switch with reference to the internal processing information. Thereby, the service for all customers is improved, and the interest and expectation of the player for the game can be enhanced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the internal processing information relating to whether or not a specific symbol has been hit in the internal lottery processing is displayed on the display meter, the player views the display and determines the operation timing of the stop switch. As a result, you can aim at a specific symbol.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the internal processing information relating to whether or not the operation of the stop switch is activated is displayed on the display meter, the player operates the stop switch while watching the display. Can be.

According to the invention of claim 4, since the internal processing information relating to whether or not the specific symbol has passed the predetermined position is displayed on the display meter, the player operates the stop switch in accordance with the display, and You can aim at a specific symbol.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration of a front panel.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration and a display example of a display meter.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the display meter.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a front panel showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a front panel showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the display meter.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a front panel showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a display meter used in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the display meter used in the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of control by a control unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 8a, 8b, 8c Reel 40 Control unit 50a, 50b, 50c Display meter 51 Pointer

Claims (4)

[Claims] A plurality of symbol variable displays capable of moving and displaying a plurality of symbols; a plurality of stop switches provided corresponding to each symbol variable display; And a controller for stopping the moving display of the variable symbol display by operating the stop switch after starting the moving display. The internal processing information provided for the operation of the stop switch is analogized by the swing of the pointer. A slot machine provided with a display meter for displaying information. 2. The control device has a function of controlling a stop operation of a symbol variable display so that a specific symbol hit in an internal lottery process stops at a predetermined position. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein internal processing information relating to whether or not the processing has been performed is displayed on the display meter. 3. The control device has a function of activating a stop switch on condition that the moving speed of the symbol has reached a predetermined value after the variable symbol display starts moving and displaying the symbol. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein internal processing information related to whether or not operation of a stop switch is activated is displayed on the display meter. 4. The control device has a function of controlling a stop operation of a symbol variable display so that a specific symbol hit in the internal lottery process stops at a predetermined position. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein internal processing information relating to whether or not the vehicle has passed the position is displayed on the display meter.