JP4136013B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial field to which the invention pertains]
The present invention relates to a slot machine, and in particular, the player controls the difficulty of intervention of stop technology by operating a stop switch, thereby achieving a balance between profits of a game store and a player without impairing game play. It is made to be able to.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional slot machine draws random numbers and performs stop control of a rotating reel based on the lottery result.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional slot machine has a problem that the game is surely removed, especially when the lottery result is out of play, and the gameability is lowered. Of course, it is possible to stop the lottery, but in that case, it becomes difficult to balance the profits of the game store and the player.
[0004]
Therefore, the present invention has been proposed in view of the problems of the conventional techniques described above, and has the following objects.
( First invention )
That is, the first invention provides a stop switch reception time zone, and during this reception time zone, the rotary reel stop control is performed, but if the stop switch is operated in other time zones, the rotation is rotated. The reel stop control is not performed, leaving room for technical intervention by the player and improving the gameability.
( Second invention )
The second invention has the following object in addition to the object of the first invention described above.
[0005]
That is, according to the second invention , the return rate can be controlled by changing the reception time zone based on the return rate during the game.
( Third invention )
The third invention has the following object in addition to the object of the second invention described above.
[0006]
That is, in the third invention , the operating return rate can be made to approach a preset return rate by increasing or decreasing the reception time zone.
( Fourth invention )
The fourth invention has the following object in addition to the object of the second invention described above.
[0007]
In other words, the fourth aspect of the invention leaves room for the technical intervention of the player so as not to impair the original interest of the slot machine even when the off-control is performed.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(Feature point)
The present invention is for achieving the above-described object, and the contents thereof will be described below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.
( First invention )
The first invention is characterized by the following points.
[0009]
That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the game control device (100) includes a reception time zone setting means (105), a stop control means (106), and a stop control release means (107). The reception time zone setting means (105) sets the reception time zone (see FIG. 4) of at least one stop switch (80) of the stop switches (80). The stop control means (106) corresponds to the stop switch (80) on the condition that the stop switch (80) is operated within the reception time zone set by the reception time zone setting means (101). The reel motor (40) of the rotating reel (30) is controlled to stop so that the symbol mark (31) of the rotating reel (30) matches the winning symbol.
[0010]
The stop control release means (107) releases the control in the stop control means (106) on the condition that each stop switch (80) is operated outside the reception time zone. The game control device (100) is constituted by a microcomputer, for example. That is, when the microcomputer executes the program, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the microcomputer functions as the reception time zone setting means (105), the stop control means (106), and the stop control release means (107).
[0011]
Although not shown, the medal insertion means (60) includes, for example, a medal sensor provided at the medal insertion slot (50) and a medal insertion switch provided on the operation panel for inserting a credit medal. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the profit granting apparatus includes a hopper 90 that pays out medals directly to the outside. However, the profit granting device is not limited to the hopper 90, and may be configured to increase the number of credit medals inside.
( Second invention )
The second invention is characterized by the following two points in addition to the features of the first invention described above.
[0012]
First, as shown in FIG. 2, the game control device (100) includes a return rate setting means (101), an operating return rate calculation means (102), and a return rate comparison means (103). The return rate setting means (101) is capable of setting a return rate indicating the ratio between the number of medals inserted by the medal insertion means (60) and the number of medals paid out by the profit granting device.
[0013]
The operating return rate calculating means (102) calculates the return rate during the game. The return rate comparison means (103) compares the set return rate set by the return rate setting means (101) with the operating return rate calculated by the operating return rate calculation means (102).
[0014]
Second, the reception time zone setting means (105) can change the reception time zone (see FIG. 4) based on the comparison result in the return rate comparison means (103). The game control device (100) is constituted by a microcomputer, for example. That is, when the microcomputer executes the program, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the microcomputer functions as a reduction rate setting means (101), an operating return rate calculation means (102), and a reduction rate comparison means (103).
( Third invention )
The third invention is characterized by the following two points in addition to the features of the second invention described above.
[0015]
First, the return rate comparison means (103) outputs a winning control signal on the condition that the operating return rate tends to decrease with respect to the set return rate, and the operating return rate with respect to the set return rate. On the condition that is increasing, the detachment control signal is output.
Second, the reception time zone setting means (105) expands the reception time zone on the condition that the winning control signal is input from the return rate comparison means (103), and accepts the reception time on the condition that the off control signal is input. The band is reduced.
( Fourth invention )
The fourth invention is characterized by the following two points in addition to the feature points of the second invention described above.
[0016]
First, the return rate comparison means (103) outputs a winning control signal on the condition that the operating return rate tends to decrease with respect to the set return rate, and the operating return rate with respect to the set return rate. On the condition that is increasing, the detachment control signal is output.
Second, the reception time zone setting means (105) is based on the input of the winning control signal from the return rate comparison means (103), and is based on the input of the off control signal without setting the reception time zone. , I set the reception time zone.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(Explanation of drawings)
1 to 4 show an example of an embodiment of the present invention.
1 is a schematic block diagram of a slot machine, FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a game control device, FIG. 3 is a partial schematic front view of the slot machine, and FIG. 4 is a rotating reel for explaining a reception time zone. Each development is shown.
(Slot machine)
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 10 denotes a slot machine. This slot machine 10 is provided with three display windows 21 side by side at the center of the operation panel 20 on the front side thereof.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 3, the display window 21 faces the outer peripheral surface of each rotary reel 30. A plurality of, for example, about 20 symbol marks 31 (shown in FIG. 4) are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel 30 at a predetermined interval. As shown in FIG. 1, each rotary reel 30 is connected to a reel motor 40 and can be individually rotated by the driving force of each reel motor 40.
[0019]
The vertical width of each display window 21 is set to a size that allows at least one symbol mark 31 of each rotary reel 30 to be displayed. In this embodiment, the vertical width of each display window 21 is set to a size that allows a plurality of, for example, three symbol marks 31 on each rotary reel 30 to be displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the three display windows 21 display at least one winning line 22 that horizontally crosses the three display windows 21 at the center of the height. It should be noted that a plurality of pay lines 22 may be provided, for example, three in the upper, middle and lower tiers, and two diagonally on the diagonal, for a total of five.
[0020]
In addition, a medal slot 50 is disposed diagonally to the lower right of the right display window 21 in FIG. Although not shown, medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 50 into the slot machine 10 are detected one by one by a medal sensor as the medal insertion means 60 provided inside the slot machine 10. Of the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 50, medals exceeding the maximum number inserted, for example, three, are counted as credit medals inside. When inserting credit medals, although not shown, a medal insertion button provided on the front face of the operation panel can be operated to insert one credit medal one by one.
[0021]
Further, a start switch 70 is disposed on the lower left side of the left display window 21 in FIG. When the start switch 70 is operated, driving of the three reel motors 40 is started, and the three rotary reels 30 start rotating all at once. Further, a total of three stop switches 80... Are arranged directly below each display window 21 as shown in FIG. When each stop switch 80 is operated, the driving of the reel motor 40 of the rotary reel 30 immediately above is stopped, and the rotation of the rotary reel 30 is stopped.
[0022]
When each stop switch 80 is operated and each rotary reel 30 is stopped, the combination of the symbol marks 31 stopped and displayed on the winning line 22 constitutes a predetermined winning mode. The right to shift to a special game in which a number of medals are paid out or a game can be played under conditions that are advantageous to the player as compared to a normal game is given.
[0023]
Then, when winning in the game, a predetermined number of medals are paid out by a hopper 90 as a profit granting device. The profit granting device is not limited to the hopper 90, and may be configured to increase the number of credit medals inside. (Game Control Device) A game control device 100 for controlling the game is provided inside the slot machine 10.
[0024]
Although not shown, the game control device 100 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, for example. Then, as will be described later, the CPU executes a control program stored in the ROM. As shown in FIG. 2, the return rate setting means 101, the operating return rate calculation means 102, the return rate comparison means 103, the winning determination Means 104, reception time zone setting means 105, stop control means 106, stop control release means 107, etc.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, a medal insertion means 60, a start switch 70, three stop switches 80..., And a setting switch 120 are individually provided on the input side of the game control device 100 via an I / O 110. It is connected. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, three reel motors 40... And a hopper 90 as a profit granting device are individually connected to the output side of the game control device 100 via a driver 130. (Game Control Device) As shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 100 includes a return rate setting means 101, an operating return rate calculation means 102, a return rate comparison means 103, a winning determination means 104, a reception time zone setting means 105, Stop control means 106 and stop control release means 107 are included.
[0026]
The return rate setting means 101 is set with a return rate indicating the ratio between the number of medals inserted by the medal insertion means 60 and the number of medals paid out by the hopper 90, and the set return rate is stored internally. Has been. The set return rate can be appropriately changed via the setting switch 120. For example, when 100 medals are paid out for 100 medals inserted, the return rate is 100%. For example, 120 medals are paid for 100 medals inserted. In the case of taking out, the reduction rate becomes 120%.
[0027]
The operating return rate calculating means 102 calculates the return rate during the game. Specifically, the operation return rate calculating means 102 is based on a medal insertion signal from the medal insertion means 60 and a winning determination signal from the winning determination means 104 or a medal payout signal from the hopper 90. Is calculated. The return rate comparing means 103 compares the set return rate set by the return rate setting means 101 with the operating return rate calculated by the operating return rate calculating means 102.
[0028]
The comparison by the return rate comparison means 103 may be performed every time the operating return rate changes, or may be compared periodically, for example, every predetermined number of games or every predetermined time. The return rate comparison means 103 outputs a winning control signal on the condition that the operating return rate is decreasing with respect to the set return rate, and the operating return rate is increasing with respect to the set return rate. A detach control signal is output on the condition that it exists.
[0029]
The reception time zone setting means 105 sets the reception time zone of at least one stop switch 80 of the stop switches 80 based on the comparison result in the return rate comparison means 103. The reception time zone refers to a time zone during which the symbol mark 31 constituting the winning mode can be stopped on the winning line 22 when the stop switch 80 is operated within the reception time zone.
[0030]
That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the reception time zone is located on the near side in the rotation direction of the rotary reel 30 with respect to the winning line 22 of the display window 21, and a predetermined time zone in which the symbol mark 31 passes, for example, a dotted line a And a dotted line b. The reception time zone is set for at least one rotary reel 30 of the three rotary reels 30.
[0031]
In this embodiment, the rotation reel 30 is set only on the right side in FIG. 3, but of course, it may be set on all three rotation reels 30. For example, when the rotation reel 30 is set to the right side in FIG. 3, the rotation reel 30 is stopped in order of the left side and the center, and the symbol mark 31 constituting the winning mode is stopped and displayed on the winning line 22 respectively. In this case, if the stop switch 80 is operated while the symbol mark 31 constituting the winning mode is within the reception time zone on the right rotating reel 30, the symbol mark 31 constituting the winning mode on the winning line 22 is displayed. It becomes possible to arrange three.
[0032]
Next, a method for changing the reception time zone by the reception time zone setting means 105 will be described. That is, the reception time zone setting means 105 expands the reception time zone on the condition that the winning control signal is input from the return rate comparison means 103, and conversely decreases the reception time zone on the condition that the off control signal is input. I am doing so.
[0033]
As a result, when the reception time zone is expanded, it is easy to stop the symbol mark 31 constituting the winning mode on the winning line 22. On the contrary, if the reception time period decreases, it becomes difficult to stop the symbol mark 31 constituting the winning mode on the winning line 22. The reception time zone setting means 105 only needs to set at least the reception time zone on condition that the deviation control signal from the return rate comparison means 103 is input. For this reason, the reception time zone may not be set on condition that a winning control signal is input.
[0034]
However, in this embodiment, even when an out-going signal is input, the reception time zone is set even if it is narrow. For this reason, there is a low chance of winning a prize. That is, in the output state of the winning control signal, even if there is no reception time zone, the corresponding rotating reel 30 can be stopped by the player's technical intervention. On the contrary, in the output state of the deviation control signal, if there is no reception time zone, there is no chance for winning. For this reason, it is possible to stop the symbol mark 31 constituting the winning mode on the winning line 22 depending on the operation timing of the stop switch 80, although it is low possibility by setting the reception time zone even if it is narrow. In addition, it is possible to increase the fun of the game through the technical intervention of the player.
[0035]
In addition, the width of the reception time zone depends on the execution state of a game such as so-called slump, the degree of difference between the set return rate and the operating return rate, the degree of asymptotic slope to approximate the operating return rate to the set return rate, etc. Set as appropriate. That is, when the vehicle falls into a so-called slump, when the operating return rate is significantly below the set return rate, or when the asymptotic slope is increased, the reception time zone is set wider. Conversely, when the operating return rate greatly exceeds the set return rate or when the asymptotic slope is reduced, the reception time zone is set to be narrower.
[0036]
The stop control of the rotating reel 30 is performed by the stop control means 106. That is, the stop control means 106, on the condition that the stop switch 80 is operated within the reception time zone set by the reception time zone setting means 105, the symbol mark 31 of the rotary reel 30 corresponding to the stop switch 80. Is for controlling the stop of the reel motor 40 of the rotary reel 30 so as to match the winning symbol.
[0037]
The stop control canceling means 107 is for canceling the control in the stop control means 106 on the condition that each stop switch 80 is operated outside the reception time zone. Therefore, when each stop switch 80 is operated outside the reception time zone, the control of the rotary reel 30 such that the symbol mark 31 constituting the winning mode is stopped and displayed on the winning line 22 is not performed. The rotating reel 30 is stopped based only on the operation of the stop switch 80 by the player.
[0038]
The winning determination means 104 determines whether or not the combination of the symbol marks 31 displayed on the winning line 22 of the display window 21 matches a predetermined winning mode when all the rotating reels 30 are stopped. When the symbol mark 31 constituting the winning mode is stopped and displayed on the winning line 22, a predetermined number of medals corresponding to the number of inserted medals are paid out from the hopper 90 or added to the credit.
[0039]
For example, in the case of a winning mode in which 5 medals are paid out when 1 medal is inserted, 10 medals are paid out and 3 medals are inserted when 2 medals are inserted. If so, 15 medals are paid out. Further, when the winning determination by the winning determination means 104 is determined to be a special game mode such as a so-called big bonus game or a regular bonus game, it is advantageous to the player as compared to the general game, and more medals. Special games such as so-called big bonus games and regular bonus games can be obtained.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exists an effect as described below.
( First invention )
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention , the stop switch reception time zone is provided, and within this reception time zone, the rotary reel is controlled to stop, but when the stop switch is operated during other time zones. The rotary reel stop control is not performed, leaving room for technical intervention by the player and improving the game playability.
( Second invention )
According to the second invention , in addition to the effects of the first invention described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0041]
That is, according to the second invention , the return rate can be controlled by changing the reception time zone based on the return rate during the game.
( Third invention )
According to the third invention , in addition to the effects of the second invention described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0042]
That is, according to the third invention , the operating return rate can be made closer to a preset return rate by increasing or decreasing the reception time zone.
( Fourth invention )
According to the fourth invention , in addition to the effects of the second invention described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0043]
That is, according to the fourth invention , even when extraordinary control is performed, it is possible to leave room for technical intervention by the player so as not to impair the original interest of the slot machine.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a slot machine.
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a game control device.
FIG. 3 is a partial schematic front view of the slot machine.
FIG. 4 is a development view of a rotating reel for explaining a reception time zone.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 slot machine
20 Control panel
21 Display window
22 winning lines
30-turn reel
31 Symbol mark
40 reel motor
50 medal slot
60 medal insertion means
70 Start switch
80 Stop switch
90 hopper
100 game controller
101 Reduction rate setting means
102 Operational return rate calculation means
103 Reduction rate comparison means
104 Winning judgment means
105 Reception time zone setting means
106 Stop control means
107 Stop control release means
110 I / O
120 Setting switch
130 drivers

Claims (3)

Multiple rotating reels;
A plurality of types of symbol marks respectively displayed on the outer periphery of each reel;
A plurality of reel motors that rotate each reel individually;
Medal insertion means capable of inserting medals;
A start switch for starting rotation of all the rotating reels;
A plurality of stop switches corresponding to the respective rotating reels and capable of individually stopping the corresponding rotating reels;
A profit granting device that pays out a medal to the player on condition that a symbol mark matching a predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed when all the rotating reels are stopped;
In a slot machine comprising each reel motor, medal insertion means, start switch, each stop switch, and a game control device for controlling a profit granting device,
In the game control device,
A reception time zone setting means for setting a reception time zone of at least one of the stop switches;
On the condition that the stop switch is operated within the reception time zone set by the reception time zone setting means, the rotation of the rotation reel corresponding to the stop switch so that the symbol mark matches the winning symbol. Stop control means for performing stop control of the reel motor of the reel;
A return rate setting means capable of setting a return rate indicating the ratio between the number of medals inserted by the medal insertion means and the number of medals paid out by the profit granting device;
Working return rate calculating means for calculating the return rate during the game;
A reduction rate comparison unit that compares the set return rate set by the return rate setting unit with the operating return rate calculated by the operating return rate calculation unit;
The slot machine characterized in that the reception time zone setting means can change the reception time zone based on the comparison result in the return rate comparison means . The return rate comparison means outputs a winning control signal on the condition that the operating return rate is decreasing with respect to the set return rate, and confirms that the operating return rate is increasing with respect to the set return rate. In the condition, output the detachment control signal,
The reception time zone setting means expands the reception time zone on condition of input of the winning control signal from the return rate comparison means, and decreases the reception time zone on condition of input of the outlier control signal. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein: The return rate comparison means outputs a winning control signal on the condition that the operating return rate is decreasing with respect to the set return rate, and confirms that the operating return rate is increasing with respect to the set return rate. In the condition, output the detachment control signal,
The reception time zone setting means sets the reception time zone on the condition that the winning control signal is input without setting the reception time zone on the condition that the winning control signal is input from the return rate comparison means. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine is configured as described above .

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