JP2942784B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electromechanical slot machine using a microcomputer.

[Prior Art] A slot machine basically has a structure in which a plurality of symbols of a plurality of symbols are arranged on the circumference of each of a plurality of reels. The game is started by the operation of, and the reels rotate at the same time to move the symbol array, and the reels are sequentially stopped from the left reel sequentially at a predetermined timing, and when all the reels are stopped, the predetermined When the reel appearing at the window position stops, the winning is determined by the combination of the symbols of the reels appearing at the predetermined window position, and medals are paid out according to the winning.

In the mechanical slot machine configured in this way,
The total number of combinations of symbols is determined from the number of symbols arranged on each reel, and the probability of winning is determined by setting combinations of winning symbols. In such a slot machine, the characteristics of the machine are almost determined by deciding the combination of the type, number, and winning combination of the reel symbols. Even if the machine has the same payout rate, a machine with a high payout, a high appearance rate of the winning arrangement, To create machines with different characteristics, such as machines with a low payout and a high appearance rate of winning arrangements, there was no other way than to physically change the type and number of symbols for each.

However, in recent slot machines, a reel is rotated by a stepping motor, a microcomputer is combined with the reel, a random number is generated, and a winning is controlled by controlling a random number value sampled.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Whether the mechanical type described above or the random number value controlled type, the occurrence of a prize is entirely by chance, but at the start of the game, the random number is sampled. Since a specific winning symbol is extracted, particularly in the case of a combination of symbols with a high payout, for example, in the case of 777 or the like, it is usual that about seven or two symbols are arranged on each reel. In order to arrange them on the winning line at a certain timing, depending on the interrelationship of the symbols arranged on each reel being rotated, the stop position must be greatly shifted and the prize must be won. Since the player will notice that the work has been made, it is preferable to arrange the lines on the winning line within a range of at most one to three deviations. But 1 ~
If the hits are not achieved within the range of the three shifts, the carryover may be performed next time with the hit flag left.

However, it is conceivable that the situation described above may be repeated two or three times, and if the same player continues to play, the winning may be made two or three times later. Immediately after stopping, there may be irrationalities that other players get a prize in the play of one or two games.

As described above, there is a problem that unnaturalness occurs when a prize is generated and that the payout rate cannot be easily changed.

[Purpose of the Invention] The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. As in the conventional slot machine, the chance of winning is maintained, and reels are sequentially stopped at predetermined timings. The refund rate of the entire machine, and optionally the appearance rate of each symbol, can be easily changed by changing only a part of the data in the memory without changing the physical configuration of the machine without losing the regularity. It is.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The above object of the present invention is achieved by means shown in a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention in FIG.

The means for achieving the above object will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the slot machine of the present invention, a plurality of reels 1, 2, and 3 are simultaneously rotated by a motor by a start operation, and light-shielding pieces 1a, 2a, and 3a of each reel are rotated.
Generates a reset signal by passing through the corresponding photo sensors 17, 18, and 19. Based on this reset signal, the CPU 3
0 is a reel position detecting means 101 for calculating the code number of the reel appearing in the reel window after passing through the reset position of each reel, and issuing a reference position signal of the reel; a random number generating means 10 for generating a random number after the start operation
2, the stop position of the reel is set by the CPU 30 based on the reference position signals of the reels 1, 2, and 3 and the random number value sampled by the random number generation means, and the reel stop for issuing reel stop position data A symbol stop scheduled position determining means comprising: a position setting means 103; and reels 1, 2, 3 based on the reel stop position data.
A symbol reading means 104 for identifying a symbol appearing at the stop position of each reel with reference to the ROM 31 of the symbol table, reading a symbol combination on a pay line, and issuing symbol combination data, The winning symbol combination table is referred to the ROM 31 to determine whether or not the combination of the symbols has won. If a winning has occurred, the winning symbol combination data and a winning signal are issued. Is a winning symbol determination means 105 for stopping the drive of the motor based on the reel stop position data.
A winning value determining unit 107 for determining a winning value K of a winning line by multiplying a winning probability value H by a payout coefficient with reference to the ROM 31 based on the winning symbol combination data, and only when the winning signal is issued. The random number generating means
A sampling means 106 for outputting a random value J from 102; a winning determination means 108 for comparing the winning value K with the sampled random value J to determine whether or not a winning is achieved; If the judgment by the means 108 is not a winning,
Reel stop position changing means 109 for controlling the stop of a plurality of motors after each of the reels is driven to rotate so that the combination of symbols set at the stop position of the reel is changed to a combination which does not correspond to a winning symbol combination.
And a symbol stop position determining means comprising:

[Operation] According to the above configuration, the combination of winning symbols is generated with contingency due to the probability of occurrence of the combination based on the type and number of symbols, and the winning probability H set for each winning combination is generated. By comparing the winning value K calculated by multiplying the payout coefficient with the random number J sampled when a winning combination is generated, only in the case of a loss,
Since the loss control of the symbol is performed, there is no unnaturalness of forcibly pulling the winning symbol, and the set payout rate of the slot machine converges to the set value as the number of plays increases.

Embodiment FIG. 14 is an external view showing an example of the slot machine of the present invention,
FIG. 2 is an enlarged conceptual view of the reel window 13 in FIG. In FIG. 14, A is a main body, and 12 is a display panel on which a combination of winning symbols, a payout table, and the like are described. Reference numeral 8 denotes a handle lever for rotating the reel. Reference numeral 9 denotes a front door panel, which is openably and closably attached to the main body A via a hinge (not shown) on a left side surface for checking and maintaining the inside of the main body, collecting and refilling medals, and the like. The front door panel 9 is provided with a reel window 13 for observing a reel provided on the main body A side. 7
Is a medal slot for the player to insert medals prior to the start of the game, 14 is a medal insertion guidance display section, 15 is an LED digital display section for digitally displaying the number of inserted medals or the number of payout medals in the medal payout process, 1
0 is a medal payout slot, and 11 is a medal tray for payout medals.

In the reel window 13 in FIG. 2, for each reel,
Three reel windows 13a, 13b, 13c are provided, and three symbols S on the reels 1, 2, 3 inside can be observed.

In the slot machine according to the present embodiment, one to three medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 7 prior to the start of the game, but a winning line is set according to the number of inserted medals. I have.

That is, in FIG. 2, when one medal is inserted, only the winning line L1 is activated, only the arrangement of the symbols S on the winning line L1 is subjected to the winning determination, and in the case of two medals, , The winning line L1 and the winning line L2, and if there are three medals, the winning lines L1, L2, L3
Are activated, and all combinations with the symbol S on the activated three winning lines are subjected to a winning determination.

When the pay line is activated, the pay line display section 16 provided at the left end of each pay line lights up and displays the activated pay line corresponding to the number of inserted medals. The process of activating the pay line is performed by detecting the number of inserted medals as an electric signal using a conventionally known method, for example, a micro switch or a photo sensor, and executing these signals via a microcomputer B described later. .

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining an activated pay line.

FIG. 4 is a system block diagram showing an example of an electronic circuit showing a basic control processing system used in the slot machine of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, the dashed block B represents the CPU 30, ROM 31, RAM
This is a microcomputer including 32, an input port 33, and output ports 34, 35, 36. The CPU 30 performs various calculations and processes, and processes input signals and output signals. In ROM31,
Correspondence table of each reel's code number and symbol number, combination data of winning symbols used for winning determination, data on the number of payout medals associated with winning, and each winning to be checked to determine whether or not to win A winning area value H of a combination of symbols, a payout coefficient for determining a payout rate of the entire slot machine, an arithmetic program for generating a plurality of random numbers, a control program for controlling the entire game, and the like are stored in each dedicated area. .

The RAM 32 temporarily stores, for example, a random value sampled after the game starts, a memory area for temporarily storing what symbols appear in the reel window 13 for reels that have already been stopped, Several areas are allocated such as a memory area for sequentially rewriting and storing code numbers of rotating reels, and a memory area for storing a code number of a stop position set for each reel. In addition, it comprises an input port 33, output ports 34, 35, 36 and the like.

The input port 33 includes a medal detector 20 for detecting inserted medals prior to the start of the game, a start switch 21 which is operated by operating the handle lever 8 to start the game,
And a medal payout detector 22 for detecting medals paid out from the hopper 46, and other light shielding pieces 1a provided for generating reset signals at the positions of the reels 1, 2, and 3.
Photosensors 17, 18, and 19 for detecting passage of 2a and 3a are connected.

Stepping motors 4, 5, and 6 are connected to the output port 34 via a driving circuit 40, and a driving pulse is transmitted from the driving circuit 40 in accordance with a pulse signal transmitted under the control of the CPU 30.

The stepping motors 4, 5, and 6 rotate by a predetermined angle for each pulse sent.

Each of the reels 1, 2, and 3 is provided with light-shielding pieces 1a, 2a, and 3a for generating a reset signal at a reset position. The detection signal is sent to the microcomputer B and the rotation of the reel in the RAM 32 is detected.
The code numbers of reels that are sequentially rewritten and stored
The memory is used as a clear (reset) signal. Therefore, the number of rotations of the stepping motors 4, 5, and 6 per drive pulse, or the number of drive pulses required to move one frame of the symbols arranged on the circumference of the reel is required. It is known in advance,
Then, if the arrangement of the symbols is known, after the reset pulse is generated, how many pulses are sent and what symbols are sent to the reel window.
13 can be determined.

The output port 35 has a hopper 46 for paying out a predetermined number of medals when winning, and a counter 47 for recording the total number of inserted medals and paid out medals.
Are connected via drive circuits 41 and 42, respectively.

Further, the other output port 36 is connected via a sound drive circuit 43 to a speaker 50 that outputs different melody during reel rotation or winning. The lamp drive circuit 44 is connected to a pay line display 51 for lighting and displaying a pay line activated by medal insertion, and a medal insertion display 52 for guiding medal insertion. Further, the LED drive circuit 45 is connected to an LED display 53 that performs digital display while counting up the number of medals paid out from the hopper 46 at the time of winning. The above configuration is an explanation of the functional unit of the slot machine using the microcomputer B.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in a basic game of the slot machine of the present invention.

The following is a detailed description of some flow charts according to the flow of the game.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining an activated pay line. In step 31 in FIG. 3, when the insertion of a medal is detected by the medal detector 20 in FIG. 4, the pay line L1 in step 32 is activated, and the display lamp 1 of the pay line display section 16 in FIG. To inform that the winning line L1 has been activated. In the subsequent step 33, if the handle lever 8 is not pulled (NO), the process proceeds to step 34, and when the insertion of medals is detected by the medal detector 20, the pay line L2 in step 35 is activated. Then, the display lamp 2 of the pay line display section 16 is turned on to notify that the pay line L2 has been activated. Also in the subsequent step 36, if the handle lever 8 is not pulled (NO), the process proceeds to step 37, and if the insertion of a medal is detected as in steps 31 and 34, the process proceeds to step 38, in which the pay line display unit 16 The display lamp 3 is turned on to notify that the pay line L3 has been activated. This is all the winning line L1
~ L3 is now HL enabled.

Then, the process proceeds to a step 39, wherein the game is started by the player pulling the handle lever 8. In steps 33 and 36, if the handle lever 8 is pulled and the operation is started (YES), step 33
Then, only the pay line L1 is activated, and in step 36, two pay lines L1 and L2 are activated and the game is started.

The game control program stored in the ROM 31 is executed by turning on the start switch 21 when the player pulls the handle lever 8 toward the user, and the game proceeds according to the flowchart of FIG. A pulse signal is supplied from the CPU 30 to the drive circuits 40 corresponding to the stepping motors 4, 5, 6 via the output port.

In step 51, the stepping motors 4, 5, and 6 are simultaneously driven to rotate. The reels 1, 2, and 3 are rotated accordingly.

The light-shielding pieces 1a, 2a, 3 of each reel are photosensors 17, 18, 1
By passing through 9, all the reels generate one reset pulse. Then, at step 52, the stop positions of the reels 1, 2, and 3 are randomly determined, and the code numbers of the respective reels are stored in the RAM 32. From the code numbers stored in the RAM 32 in step 53, the symbol data in the ROM 31 (as shown in FIG. 9) is used to determine the symbol appearing at the reel stop position (reel window 13). Symbol numbers correspond one-to-one) and a winning combination (FIG. 10). Result is (NO)
In the case of a loss, the reel stop processing of step 59 is performed according to the code number set at the stop position, and the game ends. In step 53 (YES)
If it corresponds to the winning combination, 0 to 16
Random numbers in a range of 383 are sampled (this is J). In step 55, a winning value K obtained by multiplying the winning probability value H of FIG. 10 by the payout coefficient (stored in the RAM 32) is calculated. In step 56, the sampled random value J is calculated. Is compared with the winning value K.

The result is per (NO) if K is greater than J,
At step 57, a winning flag is set, and according to the code number set at the stop position at step 52, step 59
, The reel stop processing is performed, and the game ends.
In accordance with the flowchart, if the winning flag is checked in step 61 (YES), medals are paid out from the hopper 46 in step 62, and if the completion of the payout is confirmed in step 63, the game is over.

If the result is out of step (YES) in step 56 in FIG. 5, the code number set to the stop position in step 52 is changed to the out-of-position code number in step 58. Then, a reel stop process is performed in step 59, and the game ends.

As described above, in order to achieve the object of the present invention, the position of the reel is detected, that is, what symbol appears at the set stop position (reel window 13) of the reel, and appears in the reel window 13. It is necessary to know what symbols will appear next when the symbols are moved.

In order to achieve such a function, it is desirable to use a stepping motor that can control the rotation of the reel by a pulse.

For example, using a stepping motor that rotates the motor (reel) by 1.8 ° by sending one pulse (2
Assuming that there are 22 symbols on a reel (200 pulses per rotation), then 200/22 = 9.0909, ie, 9 pulses or 10 pulses sent to the motor will rotate one symbol. Then, as shown in Fig. 9, a specific symbol number for each symbol (the same type has the same number)
, And the code number of the reel is assigned to each symbol from the reset position of the reel (0 in the illustrated example), so that the symbol number can be specified by the difference in the number of symbols from the reset position.

Note that the code number in the RAM 32 is reset to 0 by passing through the reset position of the reel, and the number of pulses required for one symbol rotation sent to the stepping motor is 9
If the code number of the position of the reel window 13 is always stored by rewriting and storing in the RAM 32 after confirming .about.10. Since the symbol number can be specified by referring to the data in the ROM 31 from the code number, the reel data is always completely grasped.

FIG. 9 shows a code number, a symbol number, a symbol name, and an arrangement of symbols on each reel.
The code number and the symbol number are digitally coded and stored in the M31 in the order in which the symbols are arranged. Although the symbol names are also shown in FIG. 9, they are not actually required as data.

In FIG. 10, one item indicates the type of winning symbol combination, two items indicate the number of combinations D, and three items indicate the number of medal payouts (odds) E for each combination. In item 4, the value obtained by multiplying the number of winning symbol combinations by (odds)
The expected value F obtained by dividing by the combination of all symbols is shown. The fifth term is a distribution expected value G obtained by compressing the sum of the expected values F of the four terms to 1.00 and adjusting the distribution for each combination.
In the sixth item, winning is determined for the ratio of the expected value F in the fourth item and the expected distribution value G in the fifth item corresponding to the range of random numbers 0 to 16383 sampled by the occurrence of winning combinations. The winning probability value H is shown.

After the reel rotation drive based on the above, stop position setting processing,
The winning determination process of the winning symbol combination will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a flowchart relating to the processing up to the setting of the reel stop position after the rotation of the reel. This is the fifth
P1 including steps 51 and 52 of the flowchart in the figure
Processing. During this flow chart, steps 71-
The series of processing shown in step 75 indicates that the position of the reel during rotation is detected, and the code number is sequentially rewritten and stored in a predetermined RAM 32 area. Here, as an example, FIG. 8 shows the movement of the code numbers associated with the rotation of the reels each having a code number on the circumference when each reel is viewed from the side, and FIG. The description will be made based on the flowchart.

In FIG. 8A, as an example, the symbol arrangement shown in FIG. 12 appears in the reel windows 13a, 13b, 13c, and the reel 1,
2 and 3 show the stopped state. Reel 1,
When the reels 2 and 3 are rotated at the same time, a reset pulse is obtained at a reset position of each reel in step 71, that is, a position where the light shielding pieces 1a, 2a and 3a pass through the photosensors 17, 18 and 19. Is checked for rotation. 8th
At the start from the stop position of each reel shown in FIG. A, the reel 1 moves 18 symbols and passes through the reset position. The reel 2 moves by 8 symbols and passes through the reset position, and the reel 3 moves by 14 symbols and passes through the reset position. Reel 2 from above
Will first pass through the reset position, and in step 72, the code number stored in the RAM 32 will be cleared (0) and reset.

Subsequently, in step 73, it is checked whether the pulse numbers 9 to 10 necessary for moving one symbol have been sent.
When the reel is cleared to “0” by passing through the reset position, the number of pulses has not reached the number necessary for movement by one symbol, so the processing is (NO). Since the position of the photo sensor for detecting the reset position does not always coincide with the window position, the position is adjusted after passing through the reset position in consideration of the number of pulses to be rotated by the amount of the shift in advance.

In step 73, the process goes to (NO), and the process proceeds to step 75, where the passage of the reel 2 through the reset position is temporarily stored in the RAM 32. Since only the reel 2 has passed first and the other reels 1 and 3 have not passed yet, in step 75,
(NO), and the process returns to step 71. In this way, the reel 2 is kept in the step until the other reels 1 and 3 store the passage of the reset position in step 75.
The processing of the loop of 71 to 75 is repeated, and every time it is confirmed in step 73 that the number of pulses 9 to 10 for moving one symbol has been sent, the RAM 32 is
The code number in is increased by one and rewritten and stored. During this time, the other reels 1 and 3 are also rotated, and the processing of steps 71 to 75 is repeated in the same manner as the processing of the reel 2. In step 75, when the last reel has passed the reset position, it is confirmed that all the reels have passed the reset position. Then, the processing proceeds to (YES), and the process proceeds to step 76. After the final reel (reel 1 in the example of FIG. 8A) has passed the reset position, the code number of the current position of each reel is specified.

This code number corresponds to the position (center) of the winning line L1 of the reel windows 13a, 13b, 13c.
It is stored in the RAM 32 and used for the next reel stop position setting process.

FIG. 8B shows the relevant positions of the code numbers of the reels, which appear in the reel window 13 after all the reels have passed the reset position. Note that, after the processing of step 74, the processing of the loop returns to step 71 with a dashed arrow, but in order to check the symbols that always appear at the window position where the reel is rotating, and to check the continuous rotation of the reel, This is a process that is continuously performed separately from the process of.

As mentioned above, the code numbers of all reels are RAM3
Then, in step 77, a constant 10 is added to the sampling value (0 to 21) of the random number to extract a numerical value in the range of 10 to 31 (for the numerical value in the range of 10 to 31, See below). This value is defined as a reference number (symbol number) A rotated from the current position of all the reels 1, 2, and 3, and
In the process of step 78, the code number of the current position of the reel 1 stored in the RAM 32 is read, and the value obtained by adding the reference number A and the code number of the current position is divided by the symbol number 22 of one reel. The surplus number a is stored in the RAM 32 as the code number of the stop position of the reel 1.

Subsequently, in the stop position setting process of the reel 2 in step 79, a value B obtained by adding a numerical value (12 + 0 or 1) for determining the interval between the reels 1 and 2 to the reference number A is added to the RAM3.
2, add the code number of the current position read from within 2, divide by the number of symbols 22 in the same manner as in the processing of reel 1, and use the remaining number b as the code number of the stop position of reel 2.
Store it in M32.

The stop position setting process of the reel 3 is obtained by adding a numerical value (12 + 0 or 1) for determining the interval between the reels 2 and 3 to the process of the reel 2 described above, and A + (12 + 0 or 1) + (12 + 0 or The code number of the reel 3 at the current position in the RAM 32 is read and added to the value C of 1), divided by 22, and the remainder c is stored in the RAM 32 as the code number of the stop position of the reel 3.

The above processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8B. First, as an example of the processing of the reel 1 and the step 78, 10 to 31
The random number (16) + constant (1
0) = A (26) is obtained. This number (26)
This is a common reference number for each reel indicating the number of reel symbols moving from the current position.

In FIG. 8B, a code number 4 indicated by a mark “コ ー ド” inside the reel 1 is indicated by a broken arrow,
After rotating 26 symbols, the reel window 13a is stopped at the position of the pay line L1 (currently, code number 0 is shown).

In order to obtain this code number, the code number (0) currently located at the position of the pay line L1 in the reel window 1.3a is added to A (26), and this is divided by the number of symbols 22, 26/22 =
The remainder 4 is the code number of the stop position of the reel 1.

Subsequently, in the processing of the reel 2 and the step 79, a value obtained by adding the interval value (12 + 0 or 1) between the reels 1 and 2 (12 in the example) to the reference number 26 obtained in the processing of the reel 1 38 and 36 indicate the number of symbols rotated and moved from the symbol corresponding to the reel window 13b and the pay line L1 at the current position. That is, the ““ ”mark 4 in the reel 2 shown in FIG. 8B, the reel 2 is rotated by 38 symbols as shown by the dashed arrow, and is moved to the position of the reel window 13b and the winning line L1 (center). Will be suspended.
The code number stored in the RAM 32 is the quotient 2 remainder 4 obtained by dividing the number 48 obtained by adding the code number 10 of the current position to the above 38 to the number of symbols 22, and the remainder 4 is the stop position code of the reel 2. Become a number.

In the process of step 80 reel 3, the numerical value shown in FIG. 8B, reel 3, A + 12 + 12 = 50 becomes the symbol rotation movement number, and the code number 10 of “O” mark in reel 3 becomes 50 symbols rotated, reel window 13
c, Stop at the position of the pay line L1. Again, the code number 4 of the current position is added to the numerical value 50, and the symbol number 22
The remainder of the quotient 2 divided by 10 is the code number of the stop position of the reel 3.

As described above, the code numbers of the stop positions of all the reels are stored at the predetermined positions in the RAM 32. Thus, the setting of the code numbers of all the stop positions is completed.

This concludes the processing of step 52 in the flowchart of FIG.

The type of the symbol appearing at the stop position can be specified by referring to the data (data shown in FIG. 9) stored in the ROM 31 by the code number thus set.

The aforementioned reference number A will be described. The reference number A used for setting the stop positions of the reels 1 to 3 is such that the reel stop positions can be obtained randomly and accidentally every time, regardless of the reel stop positions of the previous game. It is.

The reference numbers 10 to 31 used in the examples are obtained as follows.

First, a random number from 0 to 21 is taken out, and 10 is added to it. In order to obtain this random number value of 0 to 21, a numerical value obtained by sampling a random number of 1 byte (8 bits) in the range of 0 to 255 is divided by 22, and the remainder is used. Numerical values obtained by sampling are 12 for 1 to 13, 0 and 14 to 21
Since there are eleven each, there is some deflection, but it is considered that the problem in determining the reel stop position is not so affected. Further, a constant 10 added to the random number value is the number of reel symbol movements provided for safety until the step motors 4, 5, and 6 are simultaneously driven to rotate and reach a steady rotation.

Also, for the above-described interval processing between the reels 1 and 2 and between the reels 2 and 3, a numerical value (12 + 0 or 1) is used. However, the numerical value in parentheses is not necessarily 12;
13 or ~ 16.

Normally, the time required for one play is about 2 to 4 seconds from pulling the handle lever until all the reels stop rotating (excluding the time for payout of the medal). so).

The rotation speed of the reel is generally about 80 rpm, so the time required for one rotation is about 0.75 seconds, and the time required for rotation of 12 symbols is 0.75 × 12/22 =
0.41 seconds. For 16 symbols, 0.75 × 16/22 = 0.54 seconds. In short, it should not be too short or too long, and may be appropriately determined based on the rhythm or balance of the entire game.

The numerical value of 0 or 1 in () is for giving a little variety between reels, and the lower 1 (bit) of the generated random number is extracted to obtain 0 or 1.

When the code numbers corresponding to the stop positions of all the reels are set, the flowchart of FIG.
According to 53, the combination is checked against the winning combination data in the ROM 31 (see FIG. 10), and a winning or a losing
Is checked. In the case of a loss (NO), the reel stop processing in step 59 is performed, and in step 52
In accordance with the code numbers set at the stop positions of the reels 1, 2, and 3, respectively stored in the RAM 32, the reels 1, 2, and 3
The game is automatically stopped at intervals set in the order of reel 2 and reel 3, and the game ends.

If the collation result corresponds to a winning combination (YES)
And proceed to step 54.

First, a random number value J sampled from a range of one random number sequence 0 to 16383, and then in step 55, a winning probability value H relating to a winning combination is read from the ROM 31 and multiplied by a coefficient based on a machine payout rate. New winning value K
Is calculated and temporarily stored in the RAM 32 (the coefficient based on the payout rate of the machine used will be described later). Subsequently, the routine proceeds to step 56, where the sampled random number J and the calculated and temporarily stored winning value K are collated and determined.

If the result is a prize (if K is greater than J) (NO)
Then, the routine proceeds to step 57, where a winning flag is set, and then, in step 59, reel stop processing is performed. After the game ends, the winning flag is checked in step 61 according to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 63, the medal corresponding to the winning combination is paid out from the hopper 46, and when the completion of medal payout is confirmed in step 63, the game is over.

Next, the process from the occurrence of a prize to the determination of a prize, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

If the combination of randomly generated symbols is determined to be a winning combination in step 53, the aforementioned step 54
The winning determination process of ~ 56 is performed. This includes:
The data shown in the figure is used.

Referring to the respective items in FIG. 10, the combinations of the items 1 to 3 are determined depending on the type of the symbol, such as 7, V super, bar combination, etc., which fall into the field of jackpot, bell, plum, Combinations of oranges and the like, which fall into the field of medium hits, and fields of small hits of the combination of cherries are broadly classified, according to which odds are set, and in general, in the order of big hits, medium hits, small hits, The odds are set to be small. The fourth term indicates an expected payout value F for each combination determined by odds. The sum of the expected value F is close to 190%. This means that if this slot machine is operated without any control, the sum of the expected value F will be
The payout rate is close to 190%, and this slot machine cannot be operated. In general, the average payout rate of the slot machines used for business is in the range of 85% to 95%. However, setting the expected value of the total (determined by the number, type, and odds of winning combinations) high is a means for achieving the object of the present invention, and is a mechanical method (where the appearance rate of symbols is controlled). In this case, two or three jackpot symbols (7, V super, and bar in this embodiment) that cannot be implemented are arranged for each reel (see FIG. 9). By configuring the appearance rate of the symbol combination to be high, the effect of visually appealing to the player can be expected, and the ROM 31 of the distribution expected value G and the winning probability value H described later.
By simply changing the data in the slot machine, it is possible to configure a slot machine that can easily change the appearance rate of winning combinations and the like.
The fifth term is an expected distribution value G, which is one of the key factors for achieving the above object. The expected value F of the fourth term is calculated by summing the expected distribution value G with the aim of facilitating calculation in data processing. Compression adjusted to 100%. At this stage of processing, the expected distribution value G for each symbol of each winning combination is set within the range not exceeding the expected value F of each winning combination of the four items,
Allocate appropriately. This is because even if the distribution expectation value that exceeds the expectation value F of the four terms is set, randomly and accidentally,
No combination occurs above the expected value F of the term, and the set value is not satisfied.

Under the above conditions, by appropriately allocating the winning combinations, slot machines with arbitrary characteristics, such as slot machines with a tendency to generate large hits and slot machines with a high rate of medium hits, are described in section 5. Can be made by changing the expected distribution value G of, and the winning probability value H in the following six items. Subsequently, in the sixth item, a winning probability value G for determining the winning of the symbol corresponding to each winning, which is a ratio of the expected value F in the fourth item to the expected value G in the fifth item. After a process of multiplying the winning probability value H calculated according to a random value in the range of 0 to 16383 sampled by the occurrence of a winning combination by the payout coefficient of the entire slot machine is performed, Upon occurrence, it is collated with the random number value J sampled from the random number sequence in the range of 0 to 16383, and determined.

The winning probability values H of the six items are stored in the ROM 31.

The data shown in FIG. 10 described above can be variously modified, even in one embodiment, together with the conceptual diagram showing the code numbers and symbols in FIG. Usually, the average payout rate of slot machines used for sales is 85% to 95%.
% Are often used. In the present invention,
In order to be able to set the payout rate appropriately, six levels can be set from 85% to 95% in 2% increments.

In the present embodiment, since the total of the expected distribution values is adjusted to 1.00, the payout coefficients are prepared from 0.85 to 0.95 in six steps in 0.02 increments. Therefore, for example, in the case of operating at a payout rate of 85%, the payout coefficient 0.8
5 is stored in the RAM 32 as the payout coefficient of the entire machine.

If a winning combination occurs in this way,
The winning probability value H set for each winning combination stored in 1 is read and multiplied by a payout coefficient of 0.85. The winning value K corresponding to 85% obtained in this way is RA
Stored in M32. Then, it is collated with the sampled random value J in the range of random numbers 0 to 16383 to determine a winning.

The winning probability value H in FIG. 6 described above is a numerical value used when a winning of one set of symbols occurs. When there are a plurality of winning lines, a plurality of winning combinations may occur. In that case, a winning probability value in the case of a plurality of winnings is calculated by the following formula so as to be equal to a result obtained by sampling a random number separately for each combination. Then, a payout coefficient is multiplied, and a prize is determined.

For two sets, winning probability value P ₁ of the combination impinging simultaneously over A, and B of the winning probability values of combinations of odds B of the winning probability value of the combination of odds A and p and q are, The winning probability value P ₁ is the case where the lottery A and B separately, a value expected value was determined as the same payout.

The expected value if drawn separately is To the expected value per double (A + B) the same as this, the prize probability values P _1, may be such that the _{(A + B) P 1 =} AP + Bq.

In the case of three sets, the following applies.

Let the winning probability value of the combination of odds C be r. The winning probability value P ₂ of the combination that simultaneously hits A, B and C is The above calculated value is multiplied by a payout coefficient, and each winning determination process is performed.

Further, when the winning determination of the random number value J and the winning value K results in a loss, the combination of the symbols set at the stop position is controlled so that the loss symbol appears at the stop position. .

 This is described below.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing code numbers, symbol numbers, symbol names, arrangements, and the like of reels used in this embodiment.

Note that the symbol number and symbol combination in FIG. 10 are stored in the ROM 31 and are used as data for determining a winning combination of the symbols set at the current position and the stop position of the reel. . In this embodiment, the code numbers shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG.
Symbol numbers, symbol names, and arrays are used. FIG. 12 shows an example in which a winning symbol appears in the reel window portion 13 when the reel is stopped based on the arrangement of the symbols shown in FIG. It is shown.

Taking this as an example, control of a missing symbol will be described.

One item in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 10 describes a combination of winning symbols. Among the combinations of the winning symbols, there is a winning combination with a single symbol. Cherry falls under this category.

In the combination of winning symbols shown in the reel window 13 in FIG. 12, a combination of cherries can be seen on the winning line L2 activated by the insertion of the second medal. For example,
Assuming that three medals have been inserted and three lines have been activated, a check is made in step 111 of the flowchart of FIG. 11 (YES), and 1 is set in step 112.
The symbol is moved. Subsequently, the reels 2 and 3 are also moved one symbol at a time so that the set interval value does not change. And checked again. Cherry is still on the activated pay line L1. Step 111, 1
Twelve processes are repeated, resulting in reels 1, 2, 3
Are moved by three symbols. As a result, the cherry is removed from the reel window 13, and new symbols arranged following the cherry appear in the reel windows 13a, 13b, and 13c in FIG. 12, respectively.

The code numbers of the reels 1, 2, and 3 newly set at the stop position (winning line L1) are respectively stored in the RAM 3
Rewritten and stored in 2. Subsequently, in step 111, the presence of the winning symbol of the reel 1 on the three activated winning lines is repeatedly checked.

Since no symbol corresponding to the winning is found in the symbols of the code numbers 6, 7, and 8 of the reel 1 newly appearing at the stop position, the step 111 becomes (NO), and the process proceeds to the step 113. A combination check of symbols 1 and 2 is performed. FIG. 13 shows an arrangement of symbols on each reel newly set at the reel stop position (reel window 13). In the combination of the winning symbols, the symbol which is won by the combination of the two symbols is not found in the symbols other than the cherry in this embodiment, and is already checked alone when the reel 1 is checked, and is removed from the winning line. Not applicable. In step 113, (NO) the process proceeds to step 115, where the combination of the symbols of the reels 1, 2, and 3 is checked on each activated pay line. In FIG. 13, since no symbol combination corresponding to the winning is found in the reel window portion 13, the result is (NO) in step 115, the control of the stop position of the missing symbol ends, and all the reels are sequentially set from the reel 1. It stops automatically according to the set interval value. If a winning combination has occurred in step 115, the reel 3 is moved by one symbol in step 116, the process returns to step 115, and the winning is checked on the activated winning line (NO). ), Reel stop processing is performed as described above.

As described above, the loss control of the winning symbol combination can be easily performed by shifting the stop position.

According to the embodiment described above, a feature of the slot machine of the present invention is that the occurrence of a prize has a regularity in which reels are sequentially stopped at a predetermined timing set without impairing accidentalness. The appearance rate of the symbols and the overall payout rate can be performed only by changing the distribution base value G of the winning symbols and the winning probability value H without physically changing the reel symbols or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the function realizing means of the apparatus of the present invention is realized by the microcomputer B.

Also, from the design of the reel, a high payout symbol that has a great appeal to the player can be arranged in a well-balanced manner.

The present invention can be applied not only to the above-described three-reel type slot machine but also to a four-reel type, a five-reel type, and a video type slot machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged conceptual view of the reel window 13 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining an activated pay line. FIG. 4 is a system block diagram showing an example of an electronic circuit showing a basic control processing system used in the slot machine of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a basic game processing flow of the slot machine of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the basic processing from reel stop to game over. FIG. 7 is a flowchart relating to processing up to the setting of the reel stop position after the rotation of the reel. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of a process until a stop position is set after the rotation of the reel. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the code number, symbol number, and symbol name of each reel. FIG. 10 shows combinations of winning symbols, the number of combinations D, odds E,
It is a conceptual diagram showing expected value F, distribution expected value G, winning probability value H, etc. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the loss symbol processing in the case of a loss in the winning determination. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the symbol arrangement appearing at the reel window position in the loss symbol processing. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the symbol arrangement appearing at the window position after the symbol movement in the out-of-symbol symbol processing of FIG. FIG. 14 is an external view showing an example of the slot machine of the present invention. 1.2.3 Reel 4.5.6 Stepping motor 8 Handle lever 13 Reel window 15 LED digital display 16 Winning line display 17.18.19 Photo sensor 30 CPU 31 … ROM 32… RAM B… microcomputer S… symbol mark L1.L2.L3… winning line

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] A plurality of reels each displaying a plurality of types of symbols in an equally divided area on a circumference; and a plurality of motors rotating each of the plurality of reels by a start operation. In a slot machine for playing a game by combining symbols when the plurality of reels stop rotating, a symbol stop scheduled position determining means for determining a symbol stop scheduled position of each reel by a start operation; and a symbol stop scheduled position determining means. A determining unit that inquires a symbol from a scheduled symbol stop position of each reel and determines whether or not to determine the scheduled symbol stop position of each reel as it is when a specific combination of winning symbols is applicable; If it is determined that the symbol stop scheduled position of each reel is not fixed as it is, the symbol Slot machine, characterized in that it and a symbol stop position changing means for changing the combination which does not correspond to any specific combination of the winning symbol symbols expected stop position of each reel as determined by stop expected position determining means. 2. The symbol determining device according to claim 1, wherein the symbol appearing at the stop position of each reel is referred to by referring to a symbol table of each reel based on a symbol stop expected position signal of each reel by the symbol stop expected position determining device. A symbol reading unit for identifying and reading a combination of symbols on a pay line and issuing symbol combination data; and referring to a winning symbol combination table based on the combination data of the symbols to determine whether the combination of the symbols has won. A winning symbol determination unit that emits a winning symbol combination data and a winning signal when a winning is achieved, and stops a motor based on the symbol stop scheduled position signal when the winning is not achieved; A prize value determining means for determining a prize value of a prize line based on the winning symbol combination data; A winning value determining means for determining a winning value of a winning line based on the symbol combination data obtained; a sampling means for outputting a random value by a random number generator only when the winning signal is issued; A prize determining means for comparing a numerical value to determine whether or not a prize is won, a slot machine comprising: 3. A plurality of reels, each of which has a plurality of types of symbols displayed in an equally-divided area on a circle, and a plurality of motors for driving the plurality of reels by a start operation. A slot machine for playing a game based on a combination of symbols when the rotation of the plurality of reels is stopped; a reel position detecting means for detecting a rotation reference position of the plurality of reels rotated by a start operation and issuing a reference position signal of the reel; A random number generating means for generating a random number after the start operation; a reel for setting a stop position of the reel based on a reference position signal of the reel and a random number value sampled by the random number generating means; Stopping position setting means; symbol stopping scheduled position determining means, comprising: reel stopping position data; Refers to the symbol table of each reel to identify the symbols that appear in the stop position of each reel, reads a combination of symbols on the winning line,
Symbol reading means for issuing symbol combination data; and referring to a winning symbol combination table based on the symbol combination data to determine whether or not the symbol combination has won. A winning symbol determination unit that issues the winning symbol combination data and a winning signal, and stops the motor based on the reel stop position data when the winning is not won, and determines a winning value of a winning line by the winning symbol combination data. Winning value determining means for determining, a sampling means for outputting a random value from the random number generating means only when the winning signal is issued, and comparing the winning value with the random number value of the sampling means to determine whether or not a winning is achieved. A prize judging means for judging, a judging means comprising: when the judgment by the prize judging means is not a prize, Reel stop position changing means for stopping and controlling a plurality of motors after each of the reels is rotationally driven so as to change the combination of symbols set at the stop position of the reel to a combination which does not correspond to a winning symbol combination. And a symbol stop position changing means.