JP2002191747A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance attraction of game at a slot machine. SOLUTION: Actual reels 23 to 25 rotatably installed are combined with a liquid crystal reel displayed on a liquid crystal display device 100 to make a player feel an expectation for the establishing of a bonus game unto the end of game thereby enhancing attraction of game.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a slot machine in which a game is started by hitting a start lever after a bet is completed after a medal is inserted and a winning line is activated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An outline of a general slot machine game will be described. By inserting a medal into the slot machine (or pressing the bet button) and completing the bet, the winning line is activated. After this work,
The game starts when the start lever is hit. When the reel stop button is pressed by the player, the process returns to the beginning if all the reels are stopped and the winning combination is not stopped on the activated line of the reel. If the combination of winning combinations is stopped on the activated line, it is determined whether or not it is a replay, and if it is a replay, replaying is performed.If other winning combinations, the number of medals payout processing according to those winning combinations is performed. Be executed. After executing the payout process, it is determined whether or not a BB (big bonus) game has occurred. If the BB game has occurred, the BB game is executed. In the BB game, a set of a bonus game in which a normal game and a plurality of high payout games are combined can be performed a plurality of times.
Also, it is determined whether or not an RB bonus game has occurred. If an RB (regular bonus) game has occurred, the above bonus game can be performed once.

[0003] Generally, in a slot machine, there is an appearance (reach eye) that is displayed only after a winning flag of BIG (big) / REG (regular) is established, and a player mainly plays the reach eye. The appearance of the bonus is detected by appearance. Here, the term “rolled” refers to a form of a combination of stopped patterns after three reels are stopped. By the way, JP-A-7-39618 describes a slot machine with a liquid crystal display. In this slot machine, characters and animations are displayed on a liquid crystal screen to notify a winning combination by their operations, and the reels and the liquid crystal display are always synchronized and changed.

[0004]

The above-mentioned liquid crystal display in the prior art is not directly linked to an actual reel, and is more important for watching the movement of a character or the like on a liquid crystal screen than watching the reel in a slot. The importance of the basics of the slot (the pattern combination) is lost,
There was a problem that the interest of the game was lacking. That is,
Pushing the LCD reel is very tired, even if you display the exact same reel as it is, you only need to look at one of the reels, so there is no point in mounting two reels. There is a drawback in that simply displaying exactly the same reel on the liquid crystal screen does not improve the interest of the game for the player at all.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of improving the interest of a game for a player.

[0006]

In the slot machine according to the present invention, a display means for displaying reels having the same arrangement as a rotatable real reel on a display screen, and contents of the stop display after the real reels are stopped are as follows. Display control means for displaying partially different contents on the display screen. The display control means controls the display screen so as to perform a complete stop display in which the display is completely stopped after a temporary stop display in which the display is displayed as if the display is slightly shaking without stopping completely. Features. By controlling the display of the reels to be displayed on the liquid crystal display or the like together with the actual reels, the interest of the game can be improved.

After the temporary stop display is made in response to the stop of the real reel, the display control means performs the main stop display with the same result or in response to the stop of the real reel. After the temporary stop display is performed, the final stop display is performed by different numbers, or after the temporary stop display is performed in response to the stop of the actual reel, the last stopped reel is controlled to restart. Or the temporary stop display is performed in response to the stop of the real reel, and then the final stop display is performed by a roll having a different outcome and a win on the real reel, or responding to the stop of the real reel. Then, after performing the temporary stop display, control is performed so as to perform the permanent stop display in response to a button press. By controlling in this way, the interest of the game can be improved.

[0008]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to in the following description, the same parts as those in the other drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG. 1 is an external view of a slot machine according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, three reels 23, 24, and 25 constituting a variable display device are rotatably provided behind a front panel 22 of the slot machine 21 (hereinafter, these reels will be referred to as reels). "The actual reel"). On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 23, 24, 25, a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter, referred to as symbols) is drawn. This symbol sequence is, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is shown. That is, in the drawing, different symbol columns are drawn on the reels 23, 24, and 25, respectively.

The symbols drawn on the reels 23, 24 and 25 are observed three by three through the left display window 26, the center display window 27 and the right display window 28 on the front of the slot machine 21. That is, the first reel 2
3, the second reel 24, and the third reel 25 change and display three symbols in the first column on the left, the second column in the center, and the third column on the right. On the lower right side of the display windows 26, 27, 28, a slot 29 is provided for a player to insert a medal.

The slot machine 21 includes a liquid crystal display 100 capable of displaying symbols similar to reels. By using the liquid crystal display 100 to perform display as described later, the interest can be improved. Each of the reels 23 to 25 is configured as a rotating reel unit shown in FIG.
1 is attached via a bracket 52. Each of the reels 23 to 25 has a reel band 5 on the outer periphery of the reel drum 53.
4 is attached. The symbol row is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel band 54 as described above. Further, each bracket 52 is provided with a stepping motor 55, and each of the reels 23 to 25 is driven by the motor 55 to rotate.

Behind each reel band 54 of each of the reels 23 to 25, three back lamps are attached, and by lighting of each back lamp, each of the back lamps is selected from the symbols drawn on the reel band 54. 3 located in front of
The symbols are illuminated from behind. Therefore, three symbols are displayed on the display windows 26, 27, and 28, respectively.

A liquid crystal display 10 is provided below the actual reel.
No. 0 is set, and the same result as the actual reel is displayed in the liquid crystal. The reel displayed in the liquid crystal is hereinafter referred to as “liquid crystal reel”. Also, if necessary (for example, for a notification of a winning combination), the liquid crystal reel can display not only the same result as the real reel but also a different result. This control is performed by liquid crystal reel stop control. In addition, the liquid crystal display 100 may be arranged anywhere in the slot machine. Generally, it is desirable to provide it at a position that is easy for the player to see.

The display windows 26 to 2 shown in FIG.
8 includes three pay lines L1 and L connecting symbols displayed on each column of the reels 23 to 25 in a row direction, that is, a horizontal direction, to determine a symbol combination composed of three symbols.
2 and L3 are described, and two pay lines L4 and L5 for connecting the symbols displayed in each column in a diagonal direction to determine a symbol combination composed of three symbols are described. When a specific symbol combination on these winning lines is established, a predetermined number of payouts, BB and R
The game B is performed. For example, if the symbol combination is 3
If the number is "7", 15 medals are paid out and the BB game is performed. If the symbol combination is three “BARs”, 15 medals are paid out and the RB game is played. Further, if the symbol combination is three “JAC”, replay is performed. However, the three "JACs" in the BB game are:
Five medals will be paid out and JACK IN
Becomes In addition, when a predetermined symbol combination is established, two, ten, and fifteen medals are paid out. In this example, the lines in which the combination of symbols is effective are three horizontal straight lines and two diagonal diagonal lines. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and lines such as L-shaped lines can be freely set.

Prior to the start of the game, when a player inserts one medal into the medal slot 29, each reel 23
Only the central winning line L1 on the top of ２５25 is shown in FIG.
And the activation line display lamp 31 is turned on. In addition, two medals are inserted in the slot 29
, The upper and lower winning lines L2 and L3 are added to the above, and the three horizontal winning lines L1, L2 and L3 are activated as shown in FIG. 31, 32 and 33 light up. When three medals are inserted into the insertion slot 29, diagonal winning lines L4 and L5 are added to this, and all the winning lines L1 to L5 are added.
L5 is activated as shown in FIG. 7C, and all the activated line display lamps 31 to 35 are turned on. It should be noted that circles in the figure represent symbols drawn on the reels 23 to 25.

On the lower left side of the display windows 26 to 28,
A 1-BET switch 40, a 2-BET switch 41 and a MAX-BET switch 42 are provided. When a medal is credited in the credit number display section 43, instead of inserting a medal into the medal slot 29, these 1
By operating the push buttons of the BET switch 40, the BET switch 41, and the MAX BET switch 42, one, two, and three medals are bet in one game, respectively. The number-of-credits display section 43 is composed of 7-segment LEDs in a number corresponding to the number of digits of the numerical value to be displayed.
Displays the number of medals currently credited.

Below these BET switches 40 to 42, a credit / payment changeover switch (C / P switch) 4 is provided.
4 and a start lever 45 are provided, and stop buttons 46 and 4 are provided at the center of the device on the right of the start lever 45.
7, 48 are provided. The credit / payout of medals (PL
AY CREDIT / PAY OUT) can be switched.

By operating the start lever 45,
The rotation of the reels 23, 24, 25 starts simultaneously. The stop buttons 46, 47, and 48 are provided for the respective reels 23, 24, and 25.
And each reel 23, 24, 25
Is stopped for each column. Each reel 23-25
When the rotation speed reaches a certain speed, the stop buttons 46
The operations of Nos. To 48 are activated, and the stop buttons 46 to 48 stop the rotation of the reels 23 to 25 according to the push button operation of the player.

A medal tray 61 is provided at the lower front of the slot machine 21. The medal tray 61 stores medals paid out from a medal payout port 62. In addition, a payout display section 63 is provided on the front upper portion of the slot machine 21 for indicating how many medals are paid out for each winning. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine. The figure shows a circuit configuration including a control unit for controlling a game processing operation in the slot machine 21 of the present embodiment, and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the control unit. This slot machine includes a liquid crystal display circuit 101, and displays a reel on a liquid crystal display as described later.

The control section includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 70 as a main component, and further includes a circuit for sampling random numbers. The microcomputer 70 includes a CPU 71 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 72 and a RAM 73 that are storage units. The CPU 71 includes a clock pulse generating circuit 74 and a frequency divider 75 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 76 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a random number sampling circuit 77 for extracting an arbitrary random number from the generated random numbers. Is connected.

The main actuator whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 70 is a reel 2
Stepping motors 5 for rotating and driving 3, 24, 25
5. There are a hopper 78 for storing medals, a speaker 79, and activation line display lamps 31 to 37. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 80, a hopper drive circuit 81, a speaker drive circuit 82, and a lamp drive circuit 83, respectively. These drive circuits 80 to 83 are connected to the CPU 71 via an I / O port of the microcomputer 70. Each of the stepping motors 55 is excited in one or two phases by the motor drive circuit 80, and makes one rotation when a drive signal of 400 pulses is supplied.

A main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 70 to generate a control signal includes a start switch 45 S for detecting operation of the start lever 45, and an input from the medal insertion slot 29. There is an inserted medal sensor 29S for detecting the inserted medal and the C / P switch 44 described above. Further, a photo sensor 5 for detecting a shielding plate provided in the stepping motor 55 is provided.
9, and a reel position detecting circuit 84 which receives the output pulse signal from the photosensor 59 and detects the rotational position of each of the reels 23, 24 and 25.

The photo sensor 59 is provided for each of the reels 23, 24, 2
Every time when 5 rotates once, the shield plate is detected and a reset pulse is generated. This reset pulse is applied to the reel position detection circuit 8
4 to the CPU 71. In the RAM 73, a count value corresponding to a rotation position within one rotation of each reel 23 to 25 is stored.
When receiving the reset pulse, U71 clears the count value formed in the RAM 73 to "0". By this clearing process, a shift generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 55 is eliminated for each rotation.

Further, as the above-mentioned input signal generating means,
Reel stop signal circuit 85 and payout completion signal generation circuit 8
There are six. The reel stop signal circuit 85 includes a stop button 4
When 6, 47, 48 are pressed, the corresponding reel 23,
Generate a signal to stop 24, 25. Further, the medal detecting section 87 counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 78, and the payout completion signal generating circuit 86 determines that the medal count value actually paid out inputted from the medal detecting section 87 is the predetermined payout number data. Is reached, a signal notifying the completion of the medal payout is output to the CPU 71.

The ROM 72 stores the slot machine 21
Is stored as a sequence program, and a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like are separately stored. The winning probability table is used to divide the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 77 into respective winning modes, and stores data that partitions a predetermined range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 76 into the respective winning modes. Such a winning probability table is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. A1 to a in FIG.
3, b1 to b3, c1 to c3, d1 to d3, e1 to e
3, f1 to f3 and g1 to g3 are preset numerical data, and are used when the random number extracted by the sampling circuit 77 is divided into each winning mode. This data is “a1 to g1” when the number of inserted medals is one, “a2 to g2” when two, and “a3 to g” when three.
A combination of the numerical values of "3" is used.

These numerical values are usually expressed as "a <b <c <d <e <
f <g ”and the extracted random number value is a
If it is less than, it will be a jackpot winning (big hit) and "B
B "Winning flag is set. If the extracted random number value is equal to or larger than a and smaller than b, a medium winning prize (medium hit) is set, and the “RB” winning flag is set. If the extracted random number value is b or more and less than f, a small hit prize (small hit) is obtained. In this case, if the value is b or more and less than c, a “plum” winning flag is set. Indicates a “bell” winning flag, a “four-cherry” winning flag is set when d is less than e, and a “two-cherry” winning flag is set when e is less than f. If the extracted random number value is equal to or more than f and less than g, a “replay” winning flag is set, and if the extracted random number value is equal to or more than g, a “losing” winning flag without winning is set.

In other words, the winning mode is determined by which numerical range one sampled random number belongs to, and in the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 6, it includes "losing" and "replay". It is represented by a total of eight types of winning flags. Here, the random number generator 76 and the sampling circuit 7
7. The winning probability table and the microcomputer 70 constitute a winning mode determining means for determining a winning mode of the game by random number lottery.

The symbol table is conceptually shown in FIG. This symbol table is used for each reel 23 ~
25 rotation positions and symbols are associated with each other.
The symbol sequence is represented by symbols. In this symbol table, a symbol code corresponding to the code number is stored for each of the reels 23 to 25. The code number is sequentially assigned at a constant rotation pitch of each of the reels 23 to 25 based on the rotation position at which the above-described reset pulse is generated. The symbol code indicates a symbol provided corresponding to each code number.

The winning symbol combination table includes:
The symbol code of each winning symbol combination shown in the payout display section 63, the symbol code of the symbol combination forming the "reach eye" that suggests to the player that the flag of the occurrence of the specific game is established, and each winning is shown. A winning determination code, a winning medal payout number, and the like are stored. This winning symbol combination table is referred to at the time of stop control of the first reel 23, the second reel 24, and the third reel 25, and at the time of performing a winning confirmation after stopping all the reels.

The reel position detecting circuit 84, the reel stop signal circuit 85, the motor driving circuit 80, the stepping motor 5
5 and the microcomputer 70 constitute stop display control means. The stop display control means detects the operation timing of the stop buttons 46 to 48 by the reel stop signal circuit 85, and at this operation timing, the symbol displayed on the activated pay line is not a symbol corresponding to the winning mode but an activated symbol. When a symbol corresponding to the winning mode exists among the symbols for four frames displayed subsequently on the activated winning line, control is performed to draw the symbol onto the activated winning line in the display windows 26 to 28. At this time, the motor drive circuit 80 and the stepping motor 55 are controlled by the microcomputer 70 while the type of the symbol displayed on the display windows 26 to 28 is grasped by the reel position detection circuit 84.
The rotation of the reels 23 to 25 is controlled.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine controlled by the microcomputer 70 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are flowcharts showing the outline of this game processing.
In FIG. 8, first, the CPU 71 causes the medal BET to be executed.
Is determined (step 101).
This determination is "YES" when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 29 and a detection signal is input from the medal sensor 29S or when a signal is input from the BET switches 40, 41, and 42. As described above, by inserting a medal (or pressing a bet button) and completing a bet, a winning line is activated.

Next, it is determined whether or not a start signal has been input from the start switch 45S by operating the start lever 45 (step 102). Step 10
If the determination of No. 1 is "NO", the liquid crystal display processing and the demonstration screen processing are performed (step 101a). Step 1
Also when the determination of 02 is “NO”, the liquid crystal display processing and the demonstration screen processing are performed (step 101b). That is,
After betting, hitting the start lever starts the game, and while waiting for rotation to start hitting the lever and starting the game, the LCD screen displays the same reel as the currently stopped real reel. Either display on the liquid crystal screen (when power is turned on, etc.), display the same liquid crystal reel as the liquid crystal reel stopped in the last final game, or display the demo screen (waiting for customers).

If the determination in step 102 is "YES", a winning determination (probability lottery process) is performed by the above-described winning mode determining means (step 103). That is,
When the start lever is hit, a winning combination lottery is performed by random number lottery, and a lottery mode determining means for determining a winning mode (final stop appearance) is performed. Following the winning determination processing, the first reel 23, the second reel 24, the third reel
The rotation process of the reel 25 is performed (Step 104).
At the same time, a reel rotation process using a liquid crystal display is also performed (step 104a).

Following these reel rotation processes, stop control of each of the reels 23, 24 and 25 is performed (step 105). At the same time, reel stop processing by liquid crystal display is also performed (step 105a). 1st by player
When the reel stop button is pressed, the first real reel is stopped by stop control for displaying an outcome according to the winning mode determination means, and the first liquid crystal reel is also stopped by the first liquid crystal reel stop control. However, it does not stop in some cases.

Similarly, when the second stop button is pressed, the second real reel and the second liquid crystal reel are stopped by pressing the third stop button, and the third real reel and the third liquid crystal reel are stopped by the respective stop controls. However, it does not stop in some cases. An outline of the reel stop control process is shown in a flowchart of FIG. In this reel stop control,
For the sake of convenience, the first reel stop button 46, the second reel stop button 47, and the third reel stop button 48 are operated in this order, and the respective reels 23 to 25 correspond to the first reel 23, the second reel 24, and the third reel 25. The case of stopping in order will be described. However, the order in which the reels 23 to 25 are stopped is not limited to this. For example, a random operation order such as a first reel stop button 46, a third reel stop button 48, and a second reel stop button 47 is used. May be stopped.

The operation of each stop button by the player is controlled by the CPU 7 via the reel stop signal circuit 85 as described above.
1 has been detected. When the ON operation of the first reel stop button 46 is detected in step 121 of FIG. 10, a stop control process of the first reel 23 is performed (step 122). That is, when the first reel stop button 46 is operated by the player, the first reel 2
The number of drive pulses supplied to the third stepping motor 55 is read from the RAM 73 and is associated with the rotation position of the first reel 23. When the rotational position of the first reel 23 is known, the rotation position of the first reel 23 is compared with a symbol table (see FIG. 7).
The three symbols appearing in the observation window 26 are grasped as symbol codes.

In this case, when the big hit winning flag is set, it is checked whether or not there is a symbol constituting the big hit on the activated pay line in the observation window 26. Similarly, when the winning flag of the medium hit and the small hit is set, it is checked whether or not there is a symbol constituting the medium hit and the small hit on the activated pay line of the observation window 26. When there is a symbol corresponding to the winning flag on the activated pay line, the CPU 71 immediately stops the first reel 23. In consideration of the fact that the first reel 23 cannot be stopped instantaneously, this processing may be performed several steps before the reel rotation position.

If the symbol corresponding to the winning flag does not appear on the activated pay line in the observation window 26 as a result of the above check processing, what happens when the first reel 23 is further rotated by four symbols? Check if a new symbol appears. If there is a symbol corresponding to the winning flag, the first reel 23 is rotated to the frame position and stopped there. This pull-in control process is also performed at the time of each stop control process of the second reel 24 and the third reel 25 described later.

Following the stop control of the first reel 23, temporary stop control of the liquid crystal reel of the liquid crystal display corresponding to the first reel 23 is performed (step 122a). This temporary stop control will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control at the time of executing the j-th real reel stop. In the figure, "1" is set to a loop counter n (step 131). If the n-th liquid crystal reel stop flag is “j”, the n-th liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read (steps 132 → 13).
3), the n-th liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped (step 13)
4). Thereafter, "1" is added to n (step 13).
5). If the n-th liquid crystal reel stop flag is not "j" in step 132, "1" is added to n without performing the n-th liquid crystal reel temporary stop (step 1).
32 → 135). The processing of steps 132 to 135 is n
Is repeatedly performed until the value reaches “4” (step 13
6).

Returning to FIG. 10, it is detected whether or not the stop button 47 of the second reel 24 has been turned ON (step 1).
23) If the ON operation of the stop button 47 is detected, stop control processing of the second reel 24 is performed (step 124). In this stop control process, the second reel 2
In a state where 4 is rotating, first, it is assumed that 21 kinds of symbols having code numbers 0 to 20 stop on the pay line L1 in the center of the observation window 27, and have already stopped on the activated pay line. The combination with the symbol on the first reel 23 is read. In addition, a rotation code indicating that the third reel 25 is rotating is read. Although the second reel 24 is also rotating, it is assumed that the second reel 24 is stopped by the above-described processing, so that the rotation code is not read.

When the combination of symbol codes is read in this way, the winning symbol combination table described above is referred to, and the second reel 24 rotates in 21 different ways with respect to the symbol determined by stopping the first reel 23. When the player stops at the position, it is sequentially determined what kind of winning is likely to occur on the activated winning line. For example, if the first reel 23 is stopped as shown in FIG. 12A, the symbol combination pattern at that time is checked assuming 21 stop positions of the second reel 24. For example, as shown in FIG.
If the second reel 24 stops at the code number "5" in the center of the observation window 27, the symbol combinations on each of the pay lines L1 to L5 are as shown in FIG.

The arrow on the third reel 25 is a rotation code indicating that the reel is rotating. Depending on the stop position of the third reel 25, a big hit "AAA" on the pay line L1 may be won or won. There is a possibility that a small hit prize of “EEE” will occur on the line L3. Therefore, for the code number "5" of the second reel 24, a big hit prediction flag and a small hit prediction flag are set as shown in FIG. The presence or absence of such a prediction flag is checked for all code numbers on the second reel 24, and these data are written to the RAM 73.

The prediction flag data written in the RAM 73 in this manner is referred to when the second reel 24 is stopped. That is, when the stop button 47 of the second reel 24 is operated, the prediction flag corresponding to the code number of the second reel 24 is referred to. Then, the stop control of the second reel 24 is executed so that the symbol of the big hit is stopped.

Following the stop control of the second reel 24, a temporary stop control of the liquid crystal reel of the liquid crystal display corresponding to the second reel 24 is performed (step 124a). This temporary stop control is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the above reel stop control processing is completed,
Next, it is detected whether or not the stop button 48 of the third reel 25 has been turned ON (step 125). If the ON operation of the stop button 48 has been detected, the third reel 2
5 is performed (step 126).

Further, following the stop control of the third reel 25, the temporary stop control of the liquid crystal reel of the liquid crystal display corresponding to the third reel 25 is performed (step 126a). This temporary stop control is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Thereafter, the main stop control of the first to third liquid crystal reels is performed (step 126b). The main stop control will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure,
First, "1" is set to the loop counter m (step 141). Next, it is determined whether the m-th liquid crystal reel restart flag is “0” (step 142). If the m-th liquid crystal reel restart flag is not "0", the m-th liquid crystal reel restart flag is read (steps 142 → 14).
3). The read value is the number of frames to restart. Then, the m-th liquid crystal reel is restarted (step 14).
4) Further, the m-th liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped (step 145). Thereafter, "1" is added to m (step 146). If the m-th liquid crystal reel restart flag is “0” in step 142, the m-th liquid crystal reel restart and the m-th liquid crystal reel temporary stop are not performed, and
Is incremented by 1 (step 142 → 146). The processing of steps 142 to 146 is repeatedly performed until m reaches “4” (step 147). When m reaches “4”, the main stop processing is performed for all the liquid crystal reels (step 148).

In the stop control processing of the third reel 25, the first reel 23 and the second reel 24 have already been stopped and the combination of the symbols has been specified. The possibility of winning is determined for each code number of the reel 25, and a winning prediction flag is set in the same manner as in the table shown in FIG.

This prediction flag data is also referred to when the stop button 48 of the third reel 25 is operated, and when a big hit is predicted, the big hit symbol is stopped on the activated pay line. Stop control of the third reel 25 is executed. At the time of the stop control processing of the third reel 25, not only a winning according to the winning flag but also a winning different from the winning flag is obtained by a combination with the symbols of the first reel 23 and the second reel 24 that are already stopped. The reel stop position is controlled so as not to be performed.

According to the first reel stop control processing in step 122, the second reel stop control processing in step 124, and the third reel stop control processing in step 126, if the winning flag is "losing", any of the activated winnings Each reel 2 so that the winning symbol combination is not aligned on the line
Stop control of 3 to 25 is performed. When the winning flag is “2 cherry”, the first reel 2 of the L1 winning line is selected.
First reel 2 so that the symbol "Cherry" is aligned on 3
3 is controlled to stop. When the winning flag is “4 cherry”, the first reel 23 is controlled to stop so that the symbols “cherry” are aligned on the pay line other than L1. When the winning flag is “plum” or “bell”, the reels 23 to 23 are arranged such that the combination of the three symbols “plum” and “bell” is aligned on one of the activated pay lines. 25 is controlled to stop.

When the winning flag is "RB" or "BB", the reels 23 to 25 are arranged such that the symbol "7" or a predetermined character / symbol combination is aligned on one of the activated pay lines. Is controlled to stop. When the reel stop control processing of step 105 in FIG. 8 is completed in this way, it is next determined whether or not the display when all the reels are stopped is a predetermined winning symbol combination by referring to the winning symbol combination table. (FIG. 8, Step 10)
6). If no prize is obtained, the determination in step 106 is “NO”, and the process returns to step 101. Replay game (replay) as a result of winning determination
If so, the process returns to the process of waiting for the operation of the start lever 45 in step 102 (step 107). When a prize is not a replay game, the hopper drive circuit 81 is controlled by the CPU 71, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the coin tray 61 by the hopper 78 (FIG. 9,
Step 110).

For example, in the case of a small hit prize of "two cherries", two medals are paid out, and "four cherries"
In the case of a small win, four medals are paid out.
Also, in the case of the small hit prize of "Plum", ten medals are paid out, and in the case of the small prize of "Bell", fifteen medals are paid out. Further, in the case of the "BB" and "RB" jackpot winnings, 15 medals are paid out, respectively.

Next, it is determined whether or not a BB game has occurred (step 111). If a BB game has occurred, the BB game is executed (step 112). In the BB game, a set of a bonus game in which a normal game and a plurality of high payout games are combined can be performed a plurality of times. If the BB game has not occurred, it is determined whether or not the RB game has occurred next (step 113). If the RB game has occurred, the RB game has occurred.
The game is executed (step 114). In the RB game, the above bonus game can be performed once. Thereafter, the above processing is repeated, and a slot machine game is performed.

When the game is started, the liquid crystal reel starts rotating together with the actual reel. During the rotation of the actual reel, the error between the actual reel and the liquid crystal reel is corrected for each rotation based on the actual reel position information detected by the actual reel position detection circuit, and the actual reel and the liquid crystal reel rotate with substantially the same position.
The lottery of the role at the moment of hitting the lever, the actual reel stop mode and the liquid crystal reel stop control according to the winning role, and the first to third for the liquid crystal reel stop control
The liquid crystal reel stop flag, the first to third liquid crystal reel temporary stop position tables, and the first to third liquid crystal reel restart flags are read. The "temporary stop" referred to here refers to a stopped state in which the liquid crystal reel appears to be almost stopped but does not completely stop but slightly swings up and down.

The liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is a simple one having only one symbol number to stop at the upper stage. This temporary stop position table may be configured in combination with a restart flag, for example, as shown in FIG. In the figure, the first liquid crystal reel and the first liquid crystal reel restart flag, the second liquid crystal reel and the second liquid crystal reel restart flag, the third liquid crystal reel and the third liquid crystal reel restart flag corresponding to the table number are shown. It is shown. Note that the “code No.” in FIG. 7 indicates the code No. in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the first real reel stop button is pressed to stop the first real reel, the stop flags of all the liquid crystal reels are referred to. For example, if the first liquid crystal reel stop flag is “1”, the first liquid crystal reel temporarily stops at this point. The temporary stop position of the liquid crystal reel is referred to in the “liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table” shown in FIG. For example, if the table number “1” is selected, the first liquid crystal reel temporary stop position is “read the code number stopped on the pay line L2 of the first real reel 23”. The stopped symbol code is read, and the liquid crystal reel also stops at the stopped code. As a result, the stop appearance of the first real reel is exactly the same as the stop appearance of the first liquid crystal reel.

Further, if the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is also "1", the second liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops at this time. As for the temporary stop position of the liquid crystal reel, refer to the “liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table” shown in FIG. 15, and if the table number “1” is selected in the same manner as described above, the second liquid crystal reel temporary stop position Is "Read the code number stopped on the pay line L2 of the second real reel 24", so that the stopped symbol code is read on the upper stage of the second real reel, and the liquid crystal reel is also stopped by the stop code.

However, in this case, the temporary stop position cannot be referred to because the second real reel is still rotating. Since such a case exists, there is a temporary stop table that does not depend on the actual reel stop position (corresponding to the table number 20 or later in the liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table in FIG. 15). For example, if the table number is 20, the table is “a table that forms an appearance in which 777 is aligned in the upper row regardless of the actual reel stop appearance”. Without depending on the actual reel stop appearance, it is not necessary to refer to the stop position of the liquid crystal reel even when any of the actual reels are rotating. Therefore, by giving an infinite number of combinations of stop appearances, various outcomes can be formed. Roughly, the liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table can be divided into two types: a "table that refers to the actual reel stop appearance" and a "unique table that does not depend on the actual reel stop appearance".

Therefore, when the liquid crystal reel stops first (when the relationship of the k-th liquid crystal reel stop flag <k is satisfied), the “liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table” is set to “uniquely independent of the actual reel stop appearance. Is always selected. The restart flag indicates the number of frames (the number of symbols) sent after restart. Therefore, if the restart flag is 1, restart is performed for +1 frame from the temporary stop symbol. If the restart flag is 2, 2 frames, -1 if -1
(Return), 0 means that restart is not performed.

Hereinafter, a specific example will be described. (1) Example 1 (Actual movement of the real reel and the liquid crystal reel is completely the same as normal movement) First liquid crystal reel stop flag: 1 Second liquid crystal reel stop flag: 2 Third liquid crystal reel stop flag: 3 Liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table: 1 Suppose that the above processing is selected. Then, the actual (looking) movement is as follows. That is, when the first real reel stop button is pressed, the first liquid crystal reel also stops at the same outcome as the first real reel. When the second real reel is pressed, the second liquid crystal reel also stops at the same outcome as the second real reel. When the third real reel is pressed, the third liquid crystal reel also stops at the same outcome as the third real reel. No restart is performed. (2) Example 2 First liquid crystal reel stop flag: 1 Second liquid crystal reel stop flag: 1 Third liquid crystal reel stop flag: 1 Liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table: 21 It is assumed that the above processing is selected. Then, the actual (looking) movement is as follows. That is, when the first real reel stop button is pressed, all the liquid crystal reels (first
The liquid crystal reel, the second liquid crystal reel, and the third liquid crystal reel) stop. The appearance of the liquid crystal to be stopped is displayed with reference to the liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table 21. That is,
The result of the stop is displayed so that “7” is aligned with the middle line. Since the restart flag is 0 for all the liquid crystal reels, no restart is performed. (3) Example 3 First liquid crystal reel stop flag: 1 Second liquid crystal reel stop flag: 1 Third liquid crystal reel stop flag: 3 Liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table: 22 It is assumed that the above processing is selected. Then, the actual (looking) movement is as follows. That is, when the first real reel stop button is pressed, the first liquid crystal reel stops with reference to the liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table No. 22 (that is, the number at which “7” stops at the middle stage). Since the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is also "1", the second liquid crystal reel also stops. The second liquid crystal reel is a liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table 2.
Stop by referring to No. 2. Therefore, in the second liquid crystal reel, “7” is stopped at the middle stage, ie, the first frame, ie, “7”
Stops on the roll that stops at the top.

Next, when the second real reel stop button is pressed, there is no change in the liquid crystal reels because none of the liquid crystal reel stop flags is 2. Next, when the third real reel stop button is pressed, since the third liquid crystal reel stop flag is "3", the third liquid crystal reel is stopped with reference to the liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table No. 22. Therefore, the third liquid crystal reel is stopped when "7" is stopped in the middle stage.

Thereafter, the restart flag is determined. Since the restart flag of the second liquid crystal reel is "1", the second liquid crystal reel is restarted, and the second liquid crystal reel moves and stops by one frame. . At this point, "7" is in the middle stage. After this, the liquid crystal reel is completely stopped (see the flow). In the slot machine having the above-described configuration, upon detecting that the first real reel stop button is pressed, the first real reel is stopped at a predetermined position corresponding to a winning combination by the first real reel stop control. After stopping the first real reel, the first liquid crystal reel reads the first liquid crystal reel stop flag. If the first liquid crystal reel stop flag is “1”, the first liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read, and the first liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped so as to match the position of the table.

If the first liquid crystal reel stop flag is not "1", the first liquid crystal reel remains rotating. At this time, since the first real reel has already stopped, the error correction with the first real reel position detection circuit is not performed, and the first liquid crystal reel rotates at a constant speed substantially equal to the rotation speed of the real reel. Similarly, the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is read. If the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is "1", the second liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read and the second liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped so as to match the position of the table. If the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is not "1", the second liquid crystal reel remains rotating. Finally, the third liquid crystal reel stop flag is read. If the third liquid crystal reel stop flag is "1", the third liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read and the third liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped so as to match the position of the table. If the third liquid crystal reel stop flag is not "1", the third
The liquid crystal reel remains rotating.

Next, when it is detected that the second real reel stop button is pressed, the second real reel stops at a predetermined position by the second real reel stop control. After the second actual reel stops, the first liquid crystal reel stop flag is read. When the first liquid crystal reel stop flag is "2", the first liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read and the first liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped so as to match the table. Next, if the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is "2", the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is read. The second liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read, and the second liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped so as to match the position of the table. If the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is not "2", the second liquid crystal reel remains rotating. Next, the third liquid crystal reel stop flag is read. If the third liquid crystal reel stop flag is "2", the third liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read and the third liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped so as to match the position of the table. If the third liquid crystal reel stop flag is not "2", the third liquid crystal reel remains rotating.

Next, when it is detected that the third real reel stop button is pressed, the third real reel is stopped at a predetermined position by the third real reel stop control. At this time, the third liquid crystal reel reads the first liquid crystal reel stop flag after stopping the third real reel. When the first liquid crystal reel stop flag is “3”, the first liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read and the first liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped so as to match the table. Subsequently, if the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is "3", the second liquid crystal reel stop flag is read. The second liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read, and the second liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped so as to match the position of the table. Then the third
The liquid crystal reel stop flag is read, and if the third liquid crystal reel stop flag is "3", the third liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table is read and the third liquid crystal reel stop position table is read so as to match the table position.
Temporarily stop the liquid crystal reel.

After all the real reels have stopped, the liquid crystal reel stop flags are all read, and if there is a stop flag of "4", the corresponding liquid crystal reel is temporarily stopped. After all the actual reels have been permanently stopped and all the liquid crystal reels have been temporarily stopped, if the liquid crystal reel restart flag has been established, the corresponding liquid crystal reel is restarted to the target pattern, and the liquid crystal reel with the target pattern Stops temporarily. Finally, the liquid crystal reel is stopped completely, a payout process is performed, and one game is completed.

As described above, the combination of the real reel and the liquid crystal reel makes it possible for the player to maintain the expectation that the bonus game will be established until the end of the game, thereby improving the interest of the game. In the above, the case where the reels other than the actual reels are displayed using the liquid crystal display device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained by using a display device that electrically changes and displays the reels.

[0065]

Next, a more specific operation example of the present slot machine will be described. Below, stop pattern example 1
5 will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIGS. 16 to 20, the left side in the figures shows the real reels, and the right side shows the liquid crystal reels.

(1) Stop Pattern Example 1 This example is an example in which an effect exactly the same as that of a real reel is displayed on a liquid crystal reel. This stop pattern will be described with reference to FIG. A player inserts a coin and hits a lever. This allows
The game is started, and the real reel and the liquid crystal reel start rotating. At this time, a lottery of a combination is performed. If this lottery result is one of the missing, small role, and bonus,
The following operation is performed. Press the first stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
When the first reel is stopped as shown in FIG. The first liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops at the same point. Press the second stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
The second real reel is finally stopped at a roll as shown in FIG. The second liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops at the same point. Press the third stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
(3), the third real reel is permanently stopped. The third liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops at the same point. The liquid crystal reel slightly fluctuates during the temporary stop, but after that, it stops completely and the liquid crystal reel stops completely. Thus, one operation is completed.

(2) Stop Pattern Example 2 This example is a first example in which an outcome different from the actual reel is displayed on the liquid crystal reel. This stop pattern is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. A player inserts a coin and hits a lever. This allows
The game is started, and the real reel and the liquid crystal reel start rotating. At this time, a lottery of a combination is performed. When the lottery result is either a bonus or a small role, the following operation is performed. Press the first stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
When the first reel is stopped as shown in FIG. The first liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops at the same time almost simultaneously. Press the second stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
The second real reel is finally stopped at a roll as shown in FIG. The second liquid crystal reel temporarily stops at the same time almost at the same time. Press the third stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
(3), the third real reel is permanently stopped. The third liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops almost simultaneously at the timing shown in FIG. In this case, the stop appearance of the liquid crystal reel is different from the stop appearance of the actual reel. For this reason, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation of bonus formation. Thereafter, all the liquid crystal reels are fully stopped, and the operation is completed.

(3) Stop Pattern Example 3 This example is an example in which the liquid crystal reel is restarted. This stop pattern will be described with reference to FIG. A player inserts a coin and hits a lever. This allows
The game is started, and the real reel and the liquid crystal reel start rotating. At this time, a lottery of a combination is performed. When the lottery result is either a bonus or a small role, the following operation is performed. Press the first stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
When the first reel is stopped as shown in FIG. The first liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops at the same time almost simultaneously. Press the second stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
The second real reel is finally stopped at a roll as shown in FIG. The second liquid crystal reel temporarily stops at the same time almost at the same time. Press the third stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
(3), the third real reel is permanently stopped. The third liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops at the same time almost at the same time. Immediately after the stop, the third liquid crystal reel restarts, and FIG.
After the change to the stop number as shown in (1), a temporary stop is performed. Since the stop appearance of the liquid crystal reel is different from the stop appearance of the real reel, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation of the bonus being established. After that, all the liquid crystal reels are completely stopped, and the operation is completed.

(4) Stop Pattern Example 4 This example is a second example in which an effect different from the actual reel is displayed on the liquid crystal reel. This stop pattern is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. A player inserts a coin and hits a lever. This allows
The game is started, and the real reel and the liquid crystal reel start rotating. At this time, a lottery of a combination is performed. When the lottery result is a bonus, the following operation is performed. Press the first stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
When the first reel is stopped as shown in FIG. The first liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops at the same time almost simultaneously. Press the second stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
The second real reel is finally stopped at a roll as shown in FIG. The second liquid crystal reel temporarily stops at the same time almost at the same time. Press the third stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
(3), the third real reel is permanently stopped. The third liquid crystal reel also temporarily stops almost simultaneously at the timing shown in FIG. In this case, since "7" s are aligned on the liquid crystal reel, expectations for the bonus game are increased. At this time, the liquid crystal reel completely stops. This completes the operation.

(5) Stop Pattern Example 5 This example is an example in which the liquid crystal reel does not stop until the last button is pressed. This stop pattern will be described with reference to FIG. A player inserts a coin and hits a lever. This allows
The game is started, and the real reel and the liquid crystal reel start rotating. At this time, a lottery of a combination is performed. If this lottery result is one of the missing, small role, and bonus,
The following operation is performed. Press the first stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
When the first reel is stopped as shown in FIG. The first liquid crystal reel continues rotating without stopping. Press the second stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
The second real reel is finally stopped at a roll as shown in FIG. The second liquid crystal reel continues rotating without stopping. Press the third stop button. Then, for example, FIG.
(3), the third real reel is permanently stopped. The third liquid crystal reel continues rotating without stopping. After all the real reels have been stopped, the liquid crystal reels are also completely stopped as shown in FIG. In this case, since the liquid crystal reel does not stop halfway and "7" s are aligned on the liquid crystal reel, the sense of expectation for the bonus game is increased. This completes the operation.

As described above, the reels which are exactly the same as the actual reel arrangement are displayed on the liquid crystal display on the liquid crystal display, and the reels displayed on the liquid crystal are linked with the actual reels. The operation such as restarting is expressed by the reel in the liquid crystal, and furthermore, various combinations of the reel and the notification method of the winning combination can be set,
Thereby, the interest of the game can be improved.

[0072]

As described above, the present invention has an effect that various kinds of winning combinations can be notified to the player by the combination of the real reel and the liquid crystal reel and the stop control. In addition, the operation such as restarting the reel, which could not be regulated by the actual reel, can be performed by using the liquid crystal reel, whereby there is an effect that the interest of the game can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a slot machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol sequence.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a rotating reel unit.

4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between the number of inserted medals and a winning line that becomes effective, wherein FIG. 4A illustrates a winning line when one coin is inserted, FIG. 4B illustrates a winning line when two coins are inserted, and FIG. )
Is a winning line when three cards are inserted.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the slot machine.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a winning probability table.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a symbol table.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a game process of the slot machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of a game process of the slot machine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of a reel stop control process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a reel temporary stop control process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol code that is assigned to each rotating reel and read.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hit prediction flag table.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a main stop control of a reel.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a liquid crystal reel temporary stop position table.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a more specific operation example of the slot machine.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a more specific operation example of the slot machine.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a more specific operation example of the slot machine.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a more specific operation example of the slot machine.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a more specific operation example of the slot machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 21 slot machine 22 front panel 23-25 reel 26-28 window 29 medal slot 31-35 activation line display lamp 40-42 BET switch 43 credit number display section 44 credit / payment changeover switch 45 start bar 46-48 stop button 61 medal tray 62 medal payout 63 payout display 100 liquid crystal display L1 to L5 winning line

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A display means for displaying, on a display screen, reels having the same arrangement as the arrangement of rotatable real reels, and displaying, on the display screen, contents which are partially different from the stopped display contents after the real reels are stopped. A slot machine comprising: display control means. 2. The display control means controls the display screen so as to perform a complete stop display in which the display is completely stopped and then a temporary stop display in which the display is displayed as if the display is slightly stopped but not completely stopped. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein 3. The slot according to claim 2, wherein the display control means performs the temporary stop display in response to the stop of the real reel, and then performs the final stop display with the same number. Machine. 4. The display control unit according to claim 2, wherein the temporary stop display is performed in response to the stop of the real reel, and then the final stop display is performed according to a different outcome.
The described slot machine. 5. The display control device according to claim 2, wherein the temporary stop display is performed in response to the stop of the real reel, and then the last stopped reel is controlled to restart. Slot machine. 6. The display control means performs the temporary stop display in response to the stop of the real reel, and then performs the main stop display by a different number of outcomes and a win that is a real reel. 3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein: 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control means performs the temporary stop display in response to the stop of the real reel, and then performs the permanent stop display in response to a button press. Slot machine.