JPH0497765A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To develop a noble active game by providing three inside reel strips. CONSTITUTION:A reference character combination first determined by a random number generating means 4 is composed only of a first character. If a prize winning combination in which all characters coincide with each other is obtained, a first inside reel strip is applied and if the other prize winning combination is obtained, the character combination is again determined according to another random number on the basis of a second inside reel strip. On the other hand, if a second character is included in the character combination determined by the random number generating means 4, the character combination is again determined by the other random number on the basis of a third inside reel strip. Thus, a noble active game for stimulating player's will of playing the game can be developed.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is based on a winning table showing winning combinations of characters, and determines which galactor combinations stop on the winning line, and determines whether or not there will be a winning and the amount of coins to be paid. The present invention relates to a game device.

[Conventional technology]

In a game device, for example, a slot machine game, coins and medals are inserted into a coin input section provided in the slot machine main body, and several reels with a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the outer periphery are activated by operating a start lever or the like. Start by rotating at the same time. The same number of symbols are arranged around the outer periphery of these several reels.

FIG. 11 shows symbol rows arranged around the outer periphery of the reels used in a conventional slot machine. Conventionally, symbol rows with the same number of symbols arranged on all reels are drawn on the outer periphery. These symbol rows are composed of, for example, 16 symbols, and correspond to the stop positions (16 locations) on the reels. Therefore, one point on the symbols arranged around the outer circumference of the reels becomes the stop position. Each symbol string includes, for example, four types of symbols (7B, 5B, IB, blank (hereinafter referred to as "BL")).
), and the winning combination is ■7B-7
They are ranked in the order of B-7B, ■5B-5B-5B, and ■IB-IB-IB. For example ■7B-7B-7B
20 points in the case of ■5B-5B-5B, 10 points in the case of ■AB (symbols other than rBLJ) -
In the case of AB-AB, a score of 5 points is set, and the coin payment amount (Plo) is set in advance based on these points.

[R11fi that the invention attempts to solve] However,
Traditional play devices are commonplace in game development;
There is a demand for innovative and active game developments that are more entertaining and stimulate players' desire to play.

The above also applies to other game devices such as poker games in which a predetermined character is selected based on a random number value to determine whether or not a prize has been won.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a game device that can play innovative and active games that stimulate the player's desire to play.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a game device in which a character combination that stops on a winning line is determined based on a winning table showing winning combinations of characters, and whether or not a winning prize is won and the amount of coins to be paid is determined. external reel, random number generation means, first storage means, second storage means,
It is configured to include third storage means, fourth storage means, and control means. Here, a plurality of characters including a first character constituting a winning structure and a second character singly inhibiting the winning structure are arranged on the outer periphery of the external reel, and the random number generating means generates a random number for each of these external reels. Also,
The first storage means stores, for each external reel, a first internal reel strip in which a plurality of characters and a random number correspond to each other, and the second storage means stores a first internal reel strip in which a plurality of characters are composed of only the first character, and a A second internal reel strip in which one character and a random number correspond is stored. Furthermore, the third storage means increases the probability that one second character is included among the characters constituting the character combination (for example, a relatively large number of second characters are stored only in the character string for one reel). A third internal reel strip in which the plurality of characters and random numbers correspond to each other is stored for each external reel, and a fourth storage means stores a winning table defining types of winnings for the character combinations. Further, the control means determines whether or not there is a winning with respect to the reference character combination initially determined by the random number generation means based on the winning table and the first internal reel strip, and determines whether the reference character combination corresponds to a winning or not. If all the characters constituting the combination are not the same, the random number generation means is used to generate the second internal reel strip, provided that the coin payout amount of the first internal reel strip based on the standard character combination is not changed. If one character combination is determined based on the reel strip and a second character is included in the character combination, the fin payout amount of the first internal reel strip based on the reference character combination is not changed. One character combination is determined based on the third internal reel strip using the random number generating means under the condition:

The present invention also provides a display device that displays a plurality of character strings including a first character constituting a winning structure and a second character that independently obstructs the winning structure, in place of the external reel, The present invention can be used in a video game device comprising a character storage means for storing the plurality of characters, and a character control means for displaying the plurality of characters on the display device.

[Effect]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, the reference character combination initially determined by the random number generation means is the first
If the winning combination consists of only characters and all the characters match, the first internal reel strip will be applied, and if it is any other winning combination, the character combination will be determined again using another random number based on the second internal reel strip. Ru.

On the other hand, if the second character is included in the character combination determined by the random number generation means, the character combination is determined again using another random number based on the third internal reel strip.

As described above, since the gaming device according to the present invention is equipped with three internal reel strips, it is possible to easily determine whether the characters match without changing the initially determined 'coin payout amount based on the standard character/outside match.' It is possible to increase the frequency of appearance of winning combinations that are close to winning combinations or losing combinations that are close to winning combinations.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration when a gaming device according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine. This slot machine has multiple reels 1.2.3, random number generation means 4
, first storage means 5, second storage means 6, third storage means 7,
It is configured to include a fourth storage means 8 and a control means 9.

A plurality of symbols are arranged around the outer periphery of the plurality of reels 1.2.3, and among them are at least a first symbol (first character) that constitutes a winning in the game, and a second symbol (first character) that prevents a winning. 2 characters).

In the example described below, “7B” is used as the first symbol.
5B” “AB” (“7B” or “5B”),
“BL” (blank) is used as the second symbol. The stopping positions of these reels 1, 2, and 3 are determined by a plurality of random numbers generated by the random number generating means 4.

That is, the random number generating means 4 generates random numbers NR1, NR2, NI for the reels 1.2.3 according to instructions from the control means 9.
? 3, and one of these random numbers is assigned to each reel. Each random number corresponds to one of the stop positions on each reel, and one symbol corresponds to the stop position, so each random number determines one symbol on each reel. For example, random number N S
Symbol combinations such as RI R2R3, 7B-, 5B-BL" are determined by N and N.

In the present invention, the symbol combination determined by the first random number after coin insertion is defined as a "reference symbol combination", and this reference symbol combination, the first internal reel strip stored in the first storage means 5, and the fourth storage means By referring to the winning table stored in 8, it is determined whether there is a winning or not. Therefore, the control means 9 uses the random numbers N, N SN
Based on this, the reference symbol combination is determined by referring to the first RI R2R3 internal reel strip, and the presence or absence and type of winnings are determined based on the winning table.

In this case, if all the symbols constituting the reference symbol combination are not the same (for example, 7B-7B-5B), random numbers are generated again based on the second internal reel strip stored in the second storage means 6. let Then, if the symbol combination determined by the second generated random number or the standard symbol matches the coin payout amount based on the first internal reel strip, display this symbol combination as a game result; That is, the stopping positions of the reels 1, 2, and 3 are controlled so that the rolled number appears.

Furthermore, if the second symbol is included in the reference symbol combination and therefore does not qualify for winning, the control means 9 generates random numbers again based on the third internal reel strip stored in the third storage means 7. .

Then, if the symbol combination determined by the second generated random number or the standard symbol matches the coin payout amount based on the first internal reel strip, this symbol combination is displayed as the game result, that is,
Control the stop position of the reel and 2.3 so that the result appears.

Next, a three-reel type slot machine according to a first embodiment to which the basic configuration of the present invention is applied will be explained based on FIGS. 2 to 8.

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of this three-reel slot machine. At the bottom of the front of the slot machine are a coin slot 1], a start lever 12, a coin number display]3,
A game switch section 14 is arranged, and a first reel 15, a second reel 16, and a third reel 17 are displayed on the display window 1.
Arranged via 8.19.20. When a player inserts coins into the coin slot 11, the winning line A and BSC to be activated in the game are determined according to the number of coins inserted, and the number of inserted coins is displayed on the coin number display section. Digitally displayed at 13. When the start lever 12 of the game switch section 14 is pulled, stepping motors for rotating the first reel 15, second reel 16, and third reel 17 on which symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are driven all at once. When the first reel 15, second reel 16, and third reel 17 rotate, the movement of the symbol rows can be observed through the display windows 18, 19, and 20 provided for each reel, but it is almost impossible to identify individual symbols. It becomes possible.

FIG. 3 shows an outline of the reel tape wound around the outer periphery of the reel of the above-mentioned slot machine and its symbol combinations. This reel tape is 7B.

It includes 5BSAB and BL symbols, and a stop position corresponds to each symbol. In this case, there are a total of six positions where the reels can stop, and symbols are arranged at odd numbers of the stop positions.

The random numbers output from the random number generator 23 mentioned above correspond to the above-mentioned stop positions in a one-to-one relationship. For example, “7B-5B
-BL'' symbol combination, the reel stop position will be 1.3.6 (see Figure 3<a>).

According to this example, there are 5 types of winning combinations, and the amount of coins paid by the symbol combination is 20.10
．． It has increased five times. On the other hand, the nozzle/displacement combination includes BL, and there are five types of combinations. Coin payment ff1 (Plo) paid by that symbol combination
is 0 (see figure (b)). In this example,
BL functions as a symbol that independently inhibits the winning structure.

Therefore, for example, 7B-7B-BL' or "5B-BL"
-7B” is a losing combination, but BL or alone (one)
If not (for example, "BL-BL-BL"), a winning combination may be used.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration to which the slot machine 2 according to the embodiment described above can be applied.

The MPU 26 is connected to the random number generator 23, and the RO
M30 is connected to the motor drive circuit 31. The first reel 15, second reel 16, and third reel 17 are MPU2
The reels 15, 16, and 17 are rotated by stepping motors 32, 33, and 34 driven by a motor drive circuit 31 controlled by the reels 15, 16, and 17, and the stopping positions of each reel 15, 16, and 17 are determined by random numbers generated by the random number generator 23. . The random number generator 23 generates random numbers equal to the number of reels in response to instructions from the MPU 26, and identifies symbols on each reel based on the first internal reel strip stored in the ROM 30 from these random numbers. In addition to the first internal reel strip 30a, the ROM 30 stores a second internal reel strip 308b, a third internal reel strip 300, a one-player prize table 30d, and a game program 30e.

As mentioned above, one symbol corresponds to the stop position of each reel (see FIG. 3(a)), so by comparing the generated random number with the first internal reel strip 30a, three symbols are A reference symbol combination consisting of symbols and a stopping position for each reel are determined.

Furthermore, by comparing the determined standard symbol combination with the winning table 30d stored in the ROM 30,
It is determined whether there is a prize or not and its type.

Next, the operation of this slot machine will be explained based on FIG. 8 while referring to FIGS. 4 to 7.

5 to 7 show an example of the internal reel strips stored in the ROM 30 mentioned above, and FIG. 8 shows a playing method of the slot machine according to this embodiment. First, random numbers corresponding to each reel 15, 16, and 17 are selected by the random number generator 23 (step 101).
. In this case, since there are three reels, three random numbers are selected.

These random numbers are then applied to the first internal reel strip (step 102) to identify the symbols on each reel. For example, as a result of playing three games, ■ 1-2-
1 (1st game), ■ 1-5-1 (2nd game),
■ Assume that you have obtained random numbers of 1-5-10 (third game). In this case, the first game is “7B-7B-7B”
, the second game is “7B-5B-7B”, and the third game is “
7B-58-BL" has been obtained. Next, for each game, the standard symbol combination is compared with the winning table (see Figure 3 (b)) to determine whether it is a win or a loss ( Step 103).In this case, the first game and the second game are hits, or the third game is a loss.Next, for the winning combination, it is determined whether all the symbols are the same or not ( Step]04)
. If all symbols are the same, the stopping position of each reel is determined (step 105). In this case, since all the symbols in the first game are the same, the first reel 15 is at the stop position 1, the second reel]6 is at the stop position], and the third reel 17 is at the stop position 1.

In addition, in the case of the second game in which all the symbols are a winning combination in which they do not match, random numbers are generated again for each reel 15, 16, and 17 using the random number generator 23 (step 106). From these random numbers, new symbols are determined based on the second internal reel strip (see Figure 6) (step 107), and it is determined whether these symbol combinations are the same as the previous coin payout rate (Plo) (step 107). 108). In the case of the second case, the standard >
The combination of symbols a is "7B-5B-7B-, and the coin payout rate is 5x. Therefore, it is determined whether the symbol combination determined by the second random number is 5x, and the same The generation of random numbers is repeated until a coin payout rate of . If the same coin payout rate is obtained, the stopping position of each reel is determined (step 105).The second internal reel strip does not contain the symbol "BL" as shown. Therefore, different symbol combinations are more likely to appear.

For example, in the first inner reel strip, °7B7B-5
The number of occurrences of B'' is 12/1000, or 125/1000 according to the second internal reel strip.

In the third case where the reference symbol combination is a losing combination, random numbers are generated again to determine a new symbol combination (step 109), but as described above,
The initially confirmed coin payment amount will not change. In this case, the coin payment amount is 0, so even if the second random number symbol combination is "7B-7B-5B," these random numbers will not be adopted.The random numbers will be adopted if the coin payment amount is the same as the previous one. limited to cases where

Therefore, these random numbers are applied only when the symbol combination determined based on the third internal reel strip by the generated random numbers corresponds to a loss (Step 10).
,]]1). As shown in Figure 7, the third internal reel strip has a relatively higher probability of appearance of a winning combination that is different from the winning combination containing only one "BL" than the first internal reel strip (see Figure 5). ing. Therefore, under the condition that the payout amount of coins determined by the initial random number does not change, more winning combinations with one difference will appear.

Finally, the stopping position of the reels is determined by applying the [first] internal reel strip, the second internal reel strip, or the third reel strip, and the first reel 15, second reel 16, and third reel 17 are stopped, and each winning prize is Line A, B
The symbols on each of the first reel 5, second reel 6, and third reel 17 that match the SC are identified (see FIG. 2).

Next, the general operation of the second slot machine will be explained. After a coin is inserted, when the start lever 12 of the game switch section 14 is operated, the MPU 26 reads the information through the input port 24, and the IPU 26 operates the motor drive circuit 3 to drive the stepping motor 32. 33
．． Rotate 34. At this time, the MPU 26 supplies drive pulses to the motor drive circuit 26 based on the pulses generated by the pulse generator 28. The drive shafts of these stepping motors 32, 33, 34 include the first reel 1.
5. Since the second reel 16 and the third reel 17 are integrally connected, the first reel]5, the second reel 16, and the third reel
The reel 17 rotates together with the stepper motor 32, 33, 34.

On each reel, a large number of disproportion type symbols having different lengths in the circumferential direction are arranged, and each symbol corresponds to one stop position. Symbols with longer lengths in the circumferential direction have pictures such as "7B°" and "5B" drawn on them, and symbols with shorter lengths in the circumferential direction are blank (rBLJ).Stepping motors 32.33. The number of pulses supplied to 34 is recorded in RAM 29 from MPU 26.

Since the rotation angle of the stepping motor 32, 33, 34 changes in accordance with this number of pulses, the MPU 26 can uniquely know the rotation position of the stepping motor 32, 33, 34. Stepping motor 32.33.34
A first reel 15 and a second reel 16 fixed to the drive shaft of
A portion of the circumference of the third reel 17 is provided with protrusions 15a, 16g, and 17a for obtaining a reset signal.

These protrusions 15 a s 16 , a -17a are
Each rotation of the reel is detected by the photosensors 35, 36, and 37, and the MPU 26 uses the detection signal as the reference position of the reel. Therefore, the MPU 26 can know how many stepping motor drive pulses are to be output before the stop position of each reel. first reel 15,
The symbol position on the winning line when the second reel 16 and the third reel 17 are stopped matches the number of stepping motor drive pulses output from the MPU 26.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram in which the present invention is applied to a video type slot machine. This video type slot machine has a CRT 47 installed in the area where the reels are placed. This CRT 47 is driven via a microcomputer 48 and a CRT drive unit 49, and the display screen has the same information as the mechanical slot machine described above.
A total of nine symbols are displayed in a matrix.

As described above, the ROM 54 includes a first internal reel strip 54a, a second internal reel strip 54b, a third internal reel strip 5401, and a prize table 54d1.
A game program 54e is stored. All the symbols stored on these internal reel strips are stored in the character ROM 56.

A delay circuit 60.6 outputs the random number from the random number generator 58.
1, three random numbers are created. These random numbers are compared with the first internal reel strip 54a stored in the ROM 54 to determine a reference symbol combination. Next, this standard symbol combination and the winning table 54
d to determine whether there is a prize or not and the type of prize. Thereafter, as described above, if the symbols constituting the reference symbol combination are not all the same, the second internal reel strip or the third internal reel strip is applied, and finally the combination displayed on the CRT 47 is specified. . To display this identified combination, C
PU53 controls CRT controller 55.

When the power switch is turned on, a clock pulse is automatically supplied from the pulse generator 5 to the CPU 53, and the microcomputer 48 is activated. microcomputer 48
The game progresses according to the game program stored in the ROM 54. This microcomputer 4
8 activates the CRT controller 55, character data of symbols to be displayed on the CRT 47 is accessed from the character ROM 56 in address order, and the symbols are displayed without being scrolled.

The address button of the symbol that will be displayed like this is
The data is sequentially rewritten and held in the RAM 57. R.A.
M57 holds address data of symbols displayed on the CRT 47 and data regarding their display positions.

Figure 10 shows symbol combinations with one symbol difference that stimulate the player's desire to play, for example "7B-7B-5B" 7B.
-7B-BL') is shown in comparison between the above embodiment and a conventional example. There is not much difference in the winning combinations between the embodiment and the conventional example, but in the losing combinations in the embodiment, the frequency of appearance of symbol combinations that are different by one is significantly increased, which can sufficiently stimulate the player's desire to continue playing the game.

Note that this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, although the above embodiment has been described using a slot machine as an example, the present invention is not limited to slot machines.

In addition, the number of reels and the number of symbols in the above embodiments,
It goes without saying that the internal reel strip is just one example and the invention is not limited thereto.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the present invention allows character combinations to be displayed to the player to be displayed in a manner that stimulates the player's desire to play the game, without changing the coin payout amount determined by the initial random number. can. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the player to continue playing.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration when the present invention is applied to a slot machine as an embodiment, and FIG.
Figure 3 is a front view showing an example of the external appearance of the slot machine shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the reel tape and symbol combinations that can be used in the slot machine shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the reel tape and symbol combinations that can be used in the slot machine shown in Figure 1. Block diagram showing possible circuit configurations,
Figure 5 shows the first slot machine that can be used in the slot machine shown in Figure 1.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second internal reel string that can be used for the slot machine shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a diagram that can be used for the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a playing method of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 shows an example of a circuit configuration when the present invention is applied to a video slot machine. Block diagram, 1st
Figure 0 is a diagram comparing the frequency of appearance of symbol combinations with a one-symbol difference that stimulate the player's desire to play, comparing the example and the conventional example. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing arranged symbol strings. 1.2.3... Reel, 4. Random number generation means, 5...
First storage means, 6... Second storage means, 7... Third storage means, 8... Fourth storage means, 9... Control means, 11.
・Coin slot, 12...Start lever 13...
Coin number display section, 14... game switch section, 15
...1st reel, 16...2nd reel, 17...3rd reel
Reel, 18.19.20...Display window, 23.58...
Random number generator, 26...MPU. 28...Pulse generator, 29.57...RAM, 30
．． 54...ROM, 31...Motor drive circuit, 32
．． 33.34...Stethopying motor, 35.36.
37...Photo sensor, 47...CRT. 48...Microcomputer, 49...CRT drive unit, 51...Pulse generator, 53...CPU
. 55...CRT controller, 56...Character ROM, 60.61...Delay circuit. Figure 2 (a) Knoll tape and symbol 7bo + #! i@hi Fig. 3 (b) Fig. 8 Effect of brother I sequence Fig. 10 A technique Fig. 11

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A game device in which a character combination that stops on a winning line is determined based on a winning table showing winning combinations of characters, and whether or not there is a winning prize and the amount of coins to be paid are determined. a plurality of external reels having a plurality of characters arranged on the outer periphery, including a first character that plays a game and a second character that independently inhibits a winning configuration; a random number generating means that generates a random number for each of the external reels; a first storage means for storing a first internal reel strip to which the plurality of characters and the random number correspond; and the plurality of characters are composed of only the first character, and each of the external reels is configured to include the first character and the first internal reel strip. a second storage means for storing a second internal reel strip to which the random number corresponds; and a second storage means configured to increase the probability that one of the second characters is included among the characters constituting the character combination; a third storage means for storing a third internal reel strip in which the plurality of characters and the random numbers correspond to each other for each external reel; a fourth storage means for storing a winning table that defines the types of winnings for the character combinations; It is determined whether or not there is a winning with respect to the reference character combination initially determined by the random number generation means based on the entered prize table and the first internal reel strip, and the reference character combination is determined to be a winning, but all of the reference characters constituting the reference character are determined to be winning or not. If the characters of determining a character combination, and if the second character is included in the standard character combination, provided that the coin payout amount of the first internal reel strip based on the standard character combination is not changed; and control means for determining one character combination based on the third internal reel strip using the random number generation means. 2. In a game device where character combinations that stop on the winning line are determined based on a winning table showing winning combinations of characters, and whether or not there is a winning prize and the amount of coins to be paid are determined, a display device for displaying a plurality of character strings made up of a plurality of characters including a second character that independently obstructs the composition; a character storage means for storing the plurality of characters; and a character control for displaying the plurality of characters on the display device. means for generating random numbers for each of the character strings; first storage means for storing a first internal reel strip to which the plurality of characters and the random numbers correspond for each of the character strings; and the plurality of characters. a second storage means for storing a second internal reel strip consisting of only the first character and in which the first character and the random number correspond to each other for each character string; and among the characters constituting the character combination. a third storage means configured such that the probability that one second character is included in the second character is high, and storing a third internal reel strip in which the plurality of characters and the random number correspond to each other for each character string; a fourth storage means for storing a winning table that defines the type of winning for the character combination; and a fourth storage means for storing a winning table that defines the type of winning for the character combination; If the presence or absence is determined, and the standard character combination corresponds to winning, but all the characters constituting the standard character are not the same, the coin payout amount of the first internal reel strip based on the standard character combination is not changed. On the condition that one character combination is determined based on the second internal reel strip using the random number generating means, and the second character is included in the reference character combination, the reference control means for determining one character combination based on the third internal reel strip using the random number generating means, provided that the coin payout amount of the first internal reel strip based on the character combination is not changed; The gaming device that is configured.