JP2008302200A - Game machine and control method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine specifying the relation of rearranged symbols, and a control method for the same. <P>SOLUTION: Symbols are disposed in a display by rotating and stopping reels 151L, 151C and 151R each of which has a plurality of symbols and two-dimensional codes 160 corresponding to the respective symbols. If the symbols are rearranged, the two-dimensional codes 160 are photographed by an imaging device 154 and the symbols rearranged in the display and the relation among the symbols are specified by the content of the captured two-dimensional codes 160. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a control method thereof.

  In conventional gaming machines, when a player inserts gaming media such as coins and banknotes into the slot of the gaming machine and presses the start button, a plurality of symbols are variably displayed on the display provided on the front of the housing. After that, each symbol automatically stops.

  In such a gaming machine, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of symbols are provided on a transparent reel coating layer, and a mark corresponding to the symbol is provided on an edge of the reel coating layer. By rotating and stopping, a plurality of symbols are variably displayed as a display. Then, the position of the symbol is detected by reading the mark corresponding to the symbol. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for optically recognizing the position of a moving band.

US Pat. No. 4,138,114 U.S. Pat. No. 4,074,258

  In the technique according to the above document, reading is not possible when the reel or the like is stopped in order to scan the object to be read using the movement of the reel and detect the position of the rearranged symbol.

  Therefore, it is generally used to wind a reel band provided with a plurality of symbols around a reel wheel connected to a stepping motor and specify the position of the symbol on the display by the rotation angle of the reel wheel. . In this case, it is necessary to wind and stick the reel band around the reel wheel accurately. This work requires extremely skill, so that the reel band bonding work is difficult.

  On the other hand, an illegal act of shifting the stop position of the symbol by shaking the gaming machine after the reel stops is also a problem.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine and a control method thereof that specify the relationship of symbols after rearrangement, which is not in the above-described prior art.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a display having a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol, and arranging the plurality of symbols, the two-dimensional There is provided a gaming machine comprising: an imaging device that images a code; and a controller programmed to operate as described in (a) to (d) below. (a) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to capture the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code to thereby rearrange the plurality of symbols. (D) a prize is determined based on the identified relationship among the plurality of symbols.

According to the first aspect, the plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device captures the two-dimensional code, acquires the contents of the captured two-dimensional code, identifies the relationship between the plurality of symbols, and identifies the plurality of identified The award is determined from the relationship of the symbols.
Therefore, after rearrangement, the relationship between a plurality of symbols can be specified, and a prize can be determined.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a display having a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol, the display on which the plurality of symbols are arranged, and an imaging device that images the two-dimensional code, There is provided a gaming machine comprising a notification device for notification to the outside and a controller programmed to operate as described in (a) to (g) below. (a) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to capture the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code to thereby rearrange the plurality of symbols. (D) determine the award based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols, (e) identify the relationship between the plurality of symbols at a predetermined interval after rearrangement, and (f) last time (G) When the result of the comparison is different, the notification device notifies the relationship.

According to the second aspect, the plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device captures the two-dimensional code, and the content of the captured two-dimensional code is specified to identify the relationship between the plurality of symbols, and the specified plurality The award is determined from the relationship of the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relationship between a plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval, and when the relationship is different from the previous relationship, the notification device notifies the user.
Therefore, after the rearrangement, for example, when the relationship between a plurality of symbols is changed by an unauthorized means, it can be notified.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a display having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol, having a reel around which a reel band is wound, and arranging the plurality of symbols, the two-dimensional There is provided a gaming machine comprising: an imaging device that images a code; and a controller programmed to operate as described in (a) to (d) below. (a) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to capture the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code to thereby rearrange the plurality of symbols. (D) a prize is determined based on the identified relationship among the plurality of symbols.

According to the third aspect, the plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device captures the two-dimensional code provided on the reel band, and the contents of the captured two-dimensional code are acquired, whereby the relationship between the plurality of symbols is obtained. The award is determined based on the relationship between the identified symbols.
Therefore, since the two-dimensional code is provided on the reel band, when the reel band is affixed to the reel body, the work of accurately aligning the position of the reel body and the reel band can be omitted. Can be easily.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a display having a plurality of symbols on the front surface and having a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol on the back surface and having a reel on which a reel band is wound and arranging the plurality of symbols And a controller programmed to operate as described in (a) to (d) below, and a gaming machine comprising the imaging device for imaging the two-dimensional code. (a) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to capture the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code to thereby rearrange the plurality of symbols. (D) a prize is determined based on the identified relationship among the plurality of symbols.

According to the fourth aspect, the plurality of symbols are rearranged, the two-dimensional code is picked up by the imaging apparatus, the contents of the picked-up two-dimensional code are acquired, the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified, and the specified plurality The award is determined from the relationship of the symbols. A symbol corresponding to the two-dimensional code is provided on the back side of the reel band on which the captured two-dimensional code is provided.
Therefore, the relationship between a plurality of symbols can be specified more easily and a prize can be determined.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display having a reel on which a reel band having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol is wound, on which the plurality of symbols are arranged, and the two-dimensional code There is provided a gaming machine comprising: an imaging device that captures images; a notification device that notifies the outside; and a controller that is programmed to operate as described in (a) to (g) below. . (a) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to capture the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code to thereby rearrange the plurality of symbols. (D) determine the award based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols, (e) identify the relationship between the plurality of symbols at a predetermined interval after rearrangement, and (f) last time (G) When the result of the comparison is different, the notification device notifies the relationship.

According to the fifth aspect, a plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device captures the two-dimensional code provided on the reel band, and the contents of the captured two-dimensional code are acquired to obtain a relationship between the plurality of symbols. Identify and determine awards from the identified relationships. After the rearrangement, a relationship between a plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval, and when the relationship is different from the previous relationship, the notification device notifies the user. A two-dimensional code is provided on the reel band.
Therefore, after the rearrangement, for example, when the relationship between a plurality of symbols is changed by an unauthorized means, it can be notified. Further, since the reel band has a two-dimensional code, when the reel band is attached to the reel body, the work of accurately aligning the positions of the reel body and the reel band can be omitted, and the reel band attaching work is facilitated. be able to.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display having a plurality of symbols on the front surface and a reel on which a reel band is wound, having a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol on the back surface, and arranging the plurality of symbols. And an imaging device that images the two-dimensional code, a notification device that notifies the outside, and a controller that is programmed to operate as described in (a) to (g) below. A gaming machine is provided. (a) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to capture the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code to thereby rearrange the plurality of symbols. (D) determine the award based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols, (e) identify the relationship between the plurality of symbols at a predetermined interval after rearrangement, and (f) last time (G) When the result of the comparison is different, the notification device notifies the relationship.

According to the sixth aspect, the plurality of symbols are rearranged, the two-dimensional code is picked up by the imaging device, the contents of the picked-up two-dimensional code are acquired, the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified, and the specified plurality The award is determined from the relationship of the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relationship between a plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval, and when the relationship is different from the previous relationship, the notification device notifies the user. A symbol corresponding to the two-dimensional code is provided on the back side of the reel band on which the captured two-dimensional code is provided.
Therefore, after the rearrangement, for example, when the relationship between a plurality of symbols is changed by an unauthorized means, it can be notified. In addition, a relationship between a plurality of symbols can be specified more easily, and a prize can be determined.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine control method for repeatedly performing a unit game for rearranging a plurality of symbols on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol. (A) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the contents of the captured two-dimensional code. There is provided a method comprising: identifying a relationship between the plurality of determined symbols; and (d) determining a prize according to the identified relationship between the plurality of symbols.

According to the seventh aspect, a plurality of symbols are rearranged, an imaging device captures a two-dimensional code, acquires the contents of the captured two-dimensional code, specifies a relationship between the plurality of symbols, and specifies the specified plurality The award is determined from the relationship of the symbols.
Therefore, after rearrangement, the relationship between a plurality of symbols can be specified, and a prize can be determined.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine control method for repeatedly performing a unit game for rearranging a plurality of symbols on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol. (A) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the contents of the captured two-dimensional code. Identifying a relationship between the plurality of symbols determined, (d) determining a prize according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols identified, and (e) a relationship between the plurality of symbols at a predetermined interval after rearrangement. And (f) a step of comparing with the previous relationship between the plurality of symbols, and (g) if the result of the comparison is different, a notification device notifies Method characterized by comprising: a step, is provided.

According to the eighth aspect, the plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device captures the two-dimensional code, and the contents of the captured two-dimensional code are specified, the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified, and the specified plurality The award is determined from the relationship of the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relationship between a plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval, and when the relationship is different from the previous relationship, the notification device notifies the user.
Therefore, after the rearrangement, for example, when the relationship between a plurality of symbols is changed by an unauthorized means, it can be notified.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine control method for repeatedly performing a unit game for rearranging a plurality of symbols on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol. (A) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the contents of the captured two-dimensional code. There is provided a method comprising: identifying a relationship between the plurality of determined symbols; and (d) determining a prize according to the identified relationship between the plurality of symbols.

According to the ninth aspect, a plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device captures the two-dimensional code provided on the reel band, and the contents of the captured two-dimensional code are acquired to obtain a relationship between the plurality of symbols. The award is determined based on the relationship between the identified symbols.
Therefore, since the two-dimensional code is provided on the reel band, when the reel band is affixed to the reel body, the work of accurately aligning the position of the reel body and the reel band can be omitted. Can be easily.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine control method for repeatedly performing a unit game for rearranging a plurality of symbols on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol. (A) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the contents of the captured two-dimensional code. There is provided a method comprising: identifying a relationship between the plurality of determined symbols; and (d) determining a prize according to the identified relationship between the plurality of symbols.

According to the tenth aspect, the plurality of symbols are rearranged, the two-dimensional code is picked up by the imaging device, the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified by acquiring the contents of the picked-up two-dimensional code, and the specified plural The award is determined from the relationship of the symbols. A symbol corresponding to the two-dimensional code is provided on the back side of the reel band on which the captured two-dimensional code is provided.
Therefore, the relationship between a plurality of symbols can be specified more easily and a prize can be determined.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine control method for repeatedly performing a unit game for rearranging a plurality of symbols on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol. (A) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the contents of the captured two-dimensional code. Identifying a relationship between the plurality of symbols determined, (d) determining a prize according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols identified, and (e) a relationship between the plurality of symbols at a predetermined interval after rearrangement. And (f) a step of comparing with the previous relationship between the plurality of symbols, and (g) if the result of the comparison is different, the notification device reports Method characterized by comprising the steps, a to is provided.

According to the eleventh aspect, a plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device captures the two-dimensional code provided on the reel band, and the contents of the captured two-dimensional code are acquired to obtain a relationship between the plurality of symbols. Identify and determine awards from the identified relationships. After the rearrangement, a relationship between a plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval, and when the relationship is different from the previous relationship, the notification device notifies the user. A two-dimensional code is provided on the reel band.
Therefore, after the rearrangement, for example, when the relationship between a plurality of symbols is changed by an unauthorized means, it can be notified. Further, since the reel band has a two-dimensional code, when the reel band is attached to the reel body, the work of accurately aligning the positions of the reel body and the reel band can be omitted, and the reel band attaching work is facilitated. be able to.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine control method for repeatedly performing a unit game in which a plurality of symbols are rearranged on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol. (a) rearranging the plurality of symbols; (b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code; and (c) acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code. Identifying a relationship between the plurality of symbols, (d) determining a prize based on the identified relationship between the plurality of symbols, and (e) determining a relationship between the plurality of symbols at a predetermined interval after rearrangement. And (f) a step of comparing with the previous relationship between the plurality of symbols, and (g) if the result of the comparison is different, the step of notifying by the notification device. Tsu and up, wherein further comprising a are provided.

According to the twelfth aspect, a number of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device captures the two-dimensional code, and the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified by acquiring the contents of the captured two-dimensional code. The award is determined from the relationship of the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relationship between a plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval, and when the relationship is different from the previous relationship, the notification device notifies the user. A symbol corresponding to the two-dimensional code is provided on the back side of the reel band on which the captured two-dimensional code is provided.
Therefore, after the rearrangement, for example, when the relationship between a plurality of symbols is changed by an unauthorized means, it can be notified. In addition, a relationship between a plurality of symbols can be specified more easily, and a prize can be determined.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
An embodiment of a gaming machine and its control method according to the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a slot machine is used as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 scrolls the symbols 161 in the arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R) by rotating the three reels 151L, 151C, and 151R based on a predetermined timing. After that, the rearrangement step, the step of imaging the two-dimensional code 160 of the reel 151 with the imaging device 154, and acquiring the contents of the picked-up two-dimensional code 160, the rearranged symbols 161 are obtained. And a step of determining a prize according to the relationship of the rearranged symbols 161.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 rotates the three reels 151L, 151C, and 151R based on a predetermined timing, thereby rotating the symbols 161 in the arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R). And then rearranging the two-dimensional code 160 of the reel 151 by the imaging device 154, and acquiring the contents of the captured two-dimensional code 160, the rearranged A step of identifying a relationship of the symbols 161, a step of determining a prize based on the relationship of the rearranged symbols 161, a step of identifying the relationship of the symbols 161 at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement, If the comparison result and the comparison result are different, the network 300 causes the hall computer to Executing a control method and a step of notifying the 301.

  Here, “arrangement” means that a symbol 161 including a scatter symbol can be visually confirmed by an external player. That is, in FIG. 1, the symbol 161 is displayed on the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R. The arrangement of the reels after the arrangement of the symbols 161 is called “rearrangement”. “Pay line L” is used to determine the combination of the symbols 161. Specifically, one payline L is set in the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R, and one symbol 161 is arranged on each payline L. Then, the combination of the symbols 161 rearranged on the payline L is determined. If a winning combination is established as a result of the determination of the combination, processing such as paying out coins based on the winning combination is performed.

  Further, the “scatter symbol” is a symbol that uses only the arrangement as a condition for establishing a prize regardless of the payline L. That is, winning is achieved by rearranging the scatter symbols, and processing such as paying out coins according to the number of all rearranged scatter symbols is performed. When a predetermined number of scatter symbols are rearranged, a scatter symbol prize is established, and coins are paid out. Further, “symbol 161” means all symbols used in the slot machine 10 and includes a scatter symbol. Specific contents such as the payline L, the symbol 161, the winning combination, the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R will be described later.

(Lower image display panel 16)
Here, the structure of the lower image display panel 16 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower image display panel 16 includes a front panel 131 including a protective glass 132 and a display plate 133, a transparent liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, a reflective film 136, and a so-called white light source fluorescent lamp 137a. 137b, 138a, 138b, lamp holders 139a to 139f, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. The TCP is a flexible substrate connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 134 ( (Not shown).

  The protective glass 132 and the display board 133 are comprised with the transparent member. On the back side of the display board 133, various lamps and an electric circuit for operating various display units are arranged (not shown).

  The transparent liquid crystal panel 134 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 134 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven.

  The light guide plate 135 is used to guide the light from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 134 (illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 134), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 134. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

  The reflective film 136 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 toward the front side of the light guide plate 135. The reflective film 136 includes a reflective area 136A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 136B.

  The fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b are arranged along the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the light guide plate 135, and both ends thereof are supported by the lamp holder 139. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b is reflected by the reflective region 136A of the reflective film 136 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 134.

  The fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b are arranged at the upper and lower positions on the back side of the reflective film 136 toward the rotary reels 151L, 151C, and 151R. Light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b, reflected by the surfaces of the rotating reels 151L, 151C, and 151R and incident on the non-reflective region 136B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 134.

  In the slot machine 10, only a partial area of the lower image display panel 16 is an area that is switched to a transparent / non-transparent state. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is the entire area. May be a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state. In this case, in the slot machine 10, when the entire area of the lower image display panel 16 is an area to be switched to the transmissive state or the non-transmissive state, the reflective film 56 is entirely the non-reflective area 136 B or the reflective film 136 is omitted. That's fine.

(Structure of reel 151)
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the reel 151L. Since the other reels 151C and 151R have the same configuration as the reel 151L, detailed illustration and description of 151C and 151R are omitted. The reel 151L includes a reel wheel 156 and a reel band 157. The reel wheel 156 is a hollow member having a cylindrical shape. A reel band 157 having a plurality of symbols 161 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the reel wheel 156. In a state where the reel band 157 is wound around the reel wheel 156, a plurality of symbols are arranged along the circumferential direction of the cylinder on the surface of the reel band 157. On the other hand, in a state where the reel band 157 is wound around the reel wheel 156, the two-dimensional code 160 corresponding to the symbol 161 is arranged on the back surface of the reel band 157.
A stepping motor 152L as a drive unit is installed inside the reel wheel 156.

  The stepping motor 152L is fixed to a support plate (not shown). The rotation shaft of the reel wheel 156 is fixed to the drive shaft of the stepping motor 152L. When the stepping motor 152L is driven, the reel 151L rotates. The stepping motor 152L is electrically connected to a sub CPU 155, which will be described later, via a motor drive circuit 153. The sub CPU 155 rotates and stops the reels 151L, 151C, and 151R by controlling the stepping motor 152L and the like via the motor driving circuit 153 as will be described later.

  In addition, a left camera 154L as an imaging device is installed inside the reel wheel 156. The left camera 154L images the two-dimensional code 160. The left camera 154L is electrically connected to a sub CPU 155 described later. The sub CPU 155 causes the left camera 154L to image the two-dimensional code 160 and acquires the captured two-dimensional code 160 as described later.

  Here, the “two-dimensional code” is a code called “bar code” that has information in the horizontal and vertical directions in contrast to the one-dimensional code that has information only in the horizontal direction. Compared to a one-dimensional code (bar code), more information can be encoded.

(Correspondence between symbol 161 and two-dimensional code 160)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the front surface and the back surface of the reel band 157. A plurality of symbols 161 are attached to the surface of the reel band 157. A two-dimensional code 160 corresponding to each symbol 161 attached to the front surface of the reel band 157 is attached to the rear surface of the reel band 157. A two-dimensional code 160 corresponding to the symbol 161 is attached to the back surface of the symbol 161 attached to the front surface of the reel band 157.

  Specifically, the symbol 161a attached to the front surface is “RED 7”, and a two-dimensional code 160a having information indicating “RED 7” is attached to the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161a is attached. ing. Further, the symbol 161b attached to the front surface is “1 Bar” having the code number 11 shown in FIG. 6, but the code number 11 is “1 Bar” on the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161b is attached. A two-dimensional code 160b having information indicating “Bar” is attached. Similarly, a two-dimensional code 160c having information indicating “Double” is attached to the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161c “Double” is attached. Similarly, a two-dimensional code 160d having information indicating “3 Bar” is attached to the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161d “3 Bar” is attached. Similarly, a two-dimensional code 160e having information indicating “Blank” is attached to the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161e “Blank” is attached. Similarly, a two-dimensional code 160 f having information indicating “Blue 7” is attached to the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161 f “Blue 7” is attached.

According to the above configuration, the plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device images the two-dimensional code provided on the reel band, and the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified by acquiring the contents of the captured two-dimensional code. Then, a prize is determined from the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols.
Therefore, since the two-dimensional code is provided on the reel band, when the reel band is affixed to the reel body, the work of accurately aligning the position of the reel body and the reel band can be omitted. Can be easily.

According to the above configuration, the plurality of symbols are rearranged, the two-dimensional code is picked up by the imaging device, the contents of the picked-up two-dimensional code are acquired, the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified, and the plurality of specified symbols The award is determined from the relationship. A symbol corresponding to the two-dimensional code is provided on the back side of the reel band on which the captured two-dimensional code is provided.
Therefore, the relationship between a plurality of symbols can be specified more easily and a prize can be determined.

(Symbol Arrangement Unit 101)
As shown in FIG. 5, the slot machine that executes the above control method includes a symbol placement unit 101, a game controller 100, and an imaging unit 154. The symbol placement unit 101 includes a reel 151 (151L, 151C, 151R) having a plurality of symbols 161 including a scatter symbol on the outer peripheral surface, a reel driving unit 116, and a two-dimensional code 160 corresponding to each symbol. When the reel driving unit 116 rotates and drives the reel 115, the symbols 161 are arranged in the arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, 150R) having one payline L. The two-dimensional code 160 is imaged by the imaging unit 154.

  As described above, the symbol placement unit 101 may be mechanically configured by a reel device that places the symbols 161 by rotating the reels. Further, the symbol arrangement unit 101 may be configured by combining a mechanical configuration (reel) and an electrical configuration (video reel). Examples of the electrical configuration include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device, and the like. Further, the number of display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R (arrangement areas) may be any number, and the number of symbols 161 arranged in each display window may be any number. Further, a plurality of paylines L may be used according to the number of display windows and the number of symbols 161 arranged in the display windows.

(Game controller 100)
The game controller 100 rotationally drives the reels 151 (151L, 151C, 151R) to arrange the symbols 161 in the arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, 150R), and the timing is different for each of the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R. After the symbols 161 are scrolled, the first processing for rearrangement, the second processing for imaging the two-dimensional code 160 of the reel 151 with the imaging unit 154, and acquiring the contents of the captured two-dimensional code 160 , A third process for identifying the relationship of the rearranged symbols 161, a fourth process for determining the awarding of a payout based on the combination of the symbols 161 rearranged on the payline L, and a predetermined interval after the rearrangement. A fifth process for identifying the relationship of the symbols 161 and a sixth process for comparing with the previous relationship of the symbols 161 And management, when the result of comparison is different, is configured to execute a seventh process of informing the hall computer 301 via a network 300. In other words, the game controller 100 has first to seventh processing units.

  The game controller 100 includes a reel position determination unit 117 and a reel control unit 103. The reel position determination unit 117 causes the imaging unit 154 to image the two-dimensional code 160 and identifies the reel position and the arranged symbols 161 according to the content of the captured two-dimensional code 160. Further, the reel control unit 103 rotates the reel 151 (151L / 151C / 151R), scrolls the symbol 161 in the arrangement area, and rearranges the symbol 161 by stopping.

  The game controller 100 is connected to the game start unit 109. The game start unit 109 has a function of outputting a game start signal by a player's operation. The game controller 100 is determined by a combination of a game execution unit 110 that executes a unit game for rearranging symbols using a game start signal from the game start unit 109 and a symbol rearranged on the payline in the unit game. A combination payout determining unit 111 that determines a payout to be determined, and a payout awarding unit 113 that grants each payout determined by the combination payout determining unit 111.

  Furthermore, the game controller 100 includes a fraud determination unit 118 and a fraud notification unit 116. The fraud determination unit 118 determines whether or not the symbols rearranged on the payline in the unit game are illegally rearranged after the rearrangement. The fraud notification unit 116 notifies the hall computer 150 via the network 300 when the fraud determination unit 118 determines that the fraud is illegal.

  Each block of the game controller 100 may be formed by hardware, or may be formed by software as necessary.

(Operation of the game controller 100)
In the above configuration, the operation of the game controller 100 will be described.

  When a game start signal is output from the game start unit 109 by a player's operation, the reel control unit 103 starts a process of rotating the reel, and the game execution unit 110 starts a unit game. Relocation is started (first process). At this time, the symbols 161 are rearranged by the reel control unit 103 at different timings for the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R. When the symbols 161 are rearranged by executing the unit game, the reel position determination unit 117 causes the imaging unit 154 to image the two-dimensional code 160 (second process). By acquiring the contents of the imaged two-dimensional code 160, the relationship of the rearranged symbols 161 is specified (third process). After the rearrangement, the relationship between the rearranged symbols 161 is specified by executing the second process and the third process at predetermined intervals (fifth process). In the fifth process, the relationship between the identified symbol 161 and the relationship of the previous symbol 161 are compared (sixth process). If it is determined that the relationship between the identified symbols 161 and the relationship between the previous symbols 161 are different, the information is notified to the hall computer 301 via the network 300 (seventh process).

On the other hand, when all symbols 161 in the arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, 150R) are rearranged, the reel position determination unit 117 causes the imaging unit 154 to image the two-dimensional code 160 (second process). By acquiring the contents of the imaged two-dimensional code 160, the relationship of the rearranged symbols 161 is specified (third process).
The combination payout determination unit 111 determines a payout based on the combination of the symbols 161 rearranged on the payline L specified in the third process (fourth process). Then, the determined payout is awarded by the payout granting unit 113.

  Next, after the rearrangement, the relationship between the rearranged symbols 161 is specified by executing the second process and the third process at predetermined intervals (fifth process). In the fifth process, the relationship between the identified symbol 161 and the relationship of the previous symbol 161 are compared (sixth process). If it is determined that the relationship between the identified symbols 161 and the relationship between the previous symbols 161 are different, the information is notified to the hall computer 301 via the network 300 (seventh process).

  The game controller may have the first process to the fourth process, or may have the first process to the seventh process.

  The game controller 100 performs the second process of causing the imaging unit 154 to capture the two-dimensional code 160 by rearranging the symbols, and acquires the contents of the captured two-dimensional code 160 to rearrange the symbols. A third process for specifying the relationship between the symbols 161 is executed, and a fourth process for determining a payout based on the specified relationship between the symbols 161 is executed.

  According to the above configuration, the game controller 100 executes the first process to the fourth process, so that a plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device images the two-dimensional code, and the content of the captured two-dimensional code is displayed. The relationship between a plurality of symbols is specified by acquiring, and a prize is determined from the relationship between the specified plurality of symbols. Therefore, after rearrangement of symbols, the relationship between a plurality of symbols can be specified, and a prize can be determined.

  After the rearrangement, the game controller 100 executes a second process and a third process at a predetermined interval to execute a fifth process for specifying the relationship between the symbols 161. The relationship between the specified symbol 161 and the previous symbol 161 is executed. If the comparison results are different, a seventh process for notifying the hall computer 301 via the network 300 is executed.

  According to the above configuration, the game controller 100 executes the first process to the seventh process, so that a plurality of symbols are rearranged, the imaging device images the two-dimensional code, and the content of the captured two-dimensional code is displayed. The relationship between a plurality of symbols is specified by acquiring, and a prize is determined from the relationship between the specified plurality of symbols. After the rearrangement, a relationship between a plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval, and when the relationship is different from the previous relationship, the notification device notifies the user. Therefore, after the rearrangement, for example, when the relationship between a plurality of symbols is changed by an unauthorized means, it can be notified.

(Display state)
An example of the display state of the display in the operation process of the slot machine 10 and the control method will be specifically described. 1 to 4, the reel 151 is a mechanical reel, and the symbol 161 is arranged in the arrangement area by rotating the reel 151 to which the symbol 161 is attached. Based on.

  The display has display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R as an arrangement area in which a plurality of symbols 161 are arranged. Display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R are arranged at the center of the display. In the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R, a plurality of symbols 161 are scroll-displayed by rotating the reel 151 provided behind and having the symbols 161 attached to the outer peripheral surface. The symbols 161 are stopped (arranged) in the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R when the rotation of the reel 151 is stopped. For example, “1 BAR” is stopped in the display window 150L, “RED 7” is stopped in the display window 150C, and “BLANK” is stopped in the display window 150R. As a result, the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R display a symbol matrix including three columns and one row. The symbol matrix is not limited to 3 columns and 1 row.

(Symbols, combinations, etc.)
As shown in FIG. 7, the symbols 161 displayed on the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R of the display form a symbol row with 22 symbols. Any code number from 0 to 21 is assigned to each symbol constituting each symbol column. Each symbol string is a combination of “RED 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BLANK”, “CHERRY”, “1 BAR”, “2 BAR”, “3 BAR”, “DOUBLE” and “TRIPLE” symbols. Configured.

  Three consecutive symbols in the symbol column are displayed (arranged) in the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R to form a symbol matrix of three columns and one row in the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R. Yes. When the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is pressed and then the spin button 23 is pressed, the reel 161 is driven to rotate and the symbol 161 is scrolled. Start. When scrolling is started, scrolling of each symbol stops (rearrangement) after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In addition, various winning combinations are determined in advance for each symbol. The winning combination is a combination in which a combination of symbols stopped on the payline L is advantageous to the player. The advantageous state includes a state in which coins corresponding to the winning combination are paid out, a state in which the number of coins to be paid out is added to credits, a state in which a bonus game is started, and the like.

  Specifically, when the combination of the symbols “BLUE 7” on the payline L stops, a bonus trigger occurs, and the gaming state shifts from the basic game to the bonus game. When the “CHERRY” symbol is stopped on the payline L, 20 coins (game media) are paid out per bet. When the symbol “1 BAR” stops on the payline L, 5 coins are paid out per 1 BET.

  The bonus game is a gaming state that is more advantageous than the basic game. In the present embodiment, the bonus game is a free game. A free game is a game that can be played a predetermined number of times without betting coins. The bonus game is not particularly limited as long as it is advantageous to the player, that is, if it is more advantageous than the basic game. For example, the bonus game can obtain more game media than the basic game, and has a higher probability than the basic game. In such a state, it is possible to obtain a state in which game media can be acquired, a state in which the number of game media consumed is smaller than that in the basic game, and the like. Specifically, free games, second games, and the like can be listed as bonus games.

(Machine configuration)
Next, an embodiment in the case where the slot machine 10 configured as described above is specifically configured mechanically and electrically will be described.

  The slot machine 10 is installed in a gaming facility. The slot machine 10 executes a unit game by using game media. The game medium is a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these. Note that the game medium in the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a medal, a token, electronic money, or a ticket. The ticket is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a ticket with a barcode described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the housing 11, and a main door 13 provided on the front surface of the housing 11. The main door 13 is provided with a lower image display panel 16. The lower image display panel 16 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel that displays various types of information. The lower image display panel 16 displays a part of the plurality of symbols 161 included in the reels 151L, 151C, and 151R provided in the rear in the transparent display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R, and various information regarding the game. And effect images are displayed as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R are displayed on the lower image display panel 16, and symbols of 3 columns and 1 row are used using mechanical reels 151L, 151C, and 151R with symbols on the outer peripheral surface. Although the case of displaying is shown as an example, it is not limited to this.

  On the lower image display panel 16, one activated payline L is displayed. Note that there may be two or more paylines L. In the case where there are two or more paylines L, the number of paylines L according to a predetermined condition such as the number of coins bet may be activated.

  The lower image display panel 16 may display a credit amount display portion and a payout amount display portion. The credit number display unit displays the total number of cards that can be paid out to the player by the slot machine 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the total credit number). The payout number display section displays the number of coins to be paid out when the combination of symbols stopped on the payline L is a winning combination.

  Below the lower image display panel 16, a control panel 20, a coin receiving slot 21, and a bill validator 22 are provided. The control panel 20 includes a plurality of buttons 23 to 27. These buttons 23 to 27 make it possible to input instructions related to the game progress by the player. The coin receiving port 21 allows coins to be received in the housing 11.

  The control panel 20 includes a spin button 23, a change button 24, a cashout button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET button 27. The spin button 23 is a button for inputting an instruction to start scrolling the symbol by rotating the reel 14. The change button 24 is a button used when requesting exchange of money from a game facility staff. The cashout button 25 is a button for inputting an instruction to pay out coins corresponding to the total credit amount to the coin tray 18.

  The 1-BET button 26 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet one coin on the game out of coins corresponding to the total number of credits. The maximum BET button 27 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet on the game the maximum number of coins (for example, 50) bet on one game out of the total number of credits.

  The banknote discriminator 22 recognizes whether or not the banknote is a regular one and accepts the regular banknote into the housing 11. Note that the bill validator 22 can read a ticket 39 with a barcode, which will be described later. When the bill validator 22 reads the barcode-added ticket 39, the bill validator 22 outputs a read signal related to the read content to the main CPU 41.

  A berry glass 34 is provided on the lower front surface of the main door 13, that is, on the lower side of the control panel 20. On the belly glass 34, a character or the like of the slot machine 10 is drawn. An upper image display panel 33 is provided on the front surface of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 includes a liquid crystal panel and displays, for example, an effect image, an introduction of game content, and an image representing a game rule.

  The top box 12 is provided with a speaker 29 for audio output. Below the upper image display panel 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identification number of the slot machine 10 is encoded, and outputs it as a ticket 39 with a bar code. The player can play a game with another slot machine using the bar code-added ticket 39, or exchange the bar code-added ticket 39 with bills or the like using a cashier of a game facility.

  The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and writes data to the smart card. The smart card is a card possessed by the player, and stores, for example, data for identifying the player and data relating to a history of games played by the player.

  The data display 37 includes a fluorescent display or the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 36 or data input by the player using the keypad 38. The keypad 38 inputs instructions and data related to ticket issuance and the like.

(Electrical configuration)
A control unit including the game controller 100 of FIG. 5 is provided inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit includes components such as a mother board 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gaming board 50, a sub CPU 61, a door PCB 80, various switches, and sensors.

  The gaming board 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and an IC socket corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54 connected to each other via an internal bus. 54S.

  The memory card 53 stores a game program and a game system program. The game program includes a stop symbol determination program. The stop symbol determination program is a program for determining a symbol to be stopped on the payline L (a code number corresponding to the symbol). This stop symbol determination program includes symbol weighting data corresponding to each of a plurality of types of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weighting data is data indicating the correspondence between the code number of each symbol and one or a plurality of random values belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0 to 256) for each of the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R.

  The payout rate is determined based on the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54, and the stop symbol is determined based on the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate.

  Further, the memory card 53 stores various data used in the game program and the game system program. For example, data indicating the relationship between the symbols 161 displayed in the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R in FIG. 1 and the random number range is stored in the form of a table. This data is transferred to the RAM 43 of the mother board 40 when the game program is executed.

  The card slot 53S is configured such that the memory card 53 can be inserted and removed, and is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, by removing the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game program and game system program into the memory card 53, and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S, the types of games performed in the slot machine 10 And can change the contents.

  The game program includes a program related to game progress and a program for shifting to a bonus game. The game program includes image data and sound data output during the game.

  The GAL 54 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports. When data is input to the input port, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to this data from the output port. The data output from the output port is the aforementioned payout rate setting data.

  The IC socket 54S is configured so that the GAL 54 can be attached and detached. The IC socket 54S is connected to the mother board 40 by a PCI bus. Therefore, after the GAL 54 is removed from the IC socket 54S and the program stored in the GAL 54 is rewritten, the GAL 54 is attached to the IC socket 54S, so that the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 can be changed. become.

  The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 that are connected to each other via an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 via a PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits signals between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores country identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) for the CPU 51 to start the preliminary authentication program.

  The authentication program is a program (tamper check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program have not been tampered with. That is, the authentication program is described in accordance with the procedure for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the above-described authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a proof that the authentication program to be authenticated is not falsified, that is, a procedure for authenticating the authentication program.

  The motherboard 40 includes a main CPU 41 (controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication interface 44.

  The main CPU 41 has a function as a controller that controls the entire slot machine 10. In particular, the main CPU 41 controls to output a command signal for rotating the reel 14 to the sub CPU 61 when the spin button 23 is pressed after the credit is bet, and stops after the reel 14 is rotated. Control for determining the symbol and control for stopping the determined symbol in the display windows 151 to 153 are performed.

  That is, the main CPU 41 selects a symbol arranged in the symbol matrix from a plurality of types of symbols in order to rearrange as a new symbol matrix after scrolling a plurality of symbols displayed on the lower image display panel 16. And a function as an arrangement controller for executing arrangement control to stop at the determined symbol from the scroll state.

  Further, the main CPU 41 rotates the reels 14 (reels 14L, 14C, and 14R) based on a predetermined timing, thereby arranging a plurality of symbols (symbols 180) in the arrangement area 115 (display windows 151 to 153). The first process for rearrangement after scrolling within, the second process for determining a prize based on the relationship (winning combination) of the rearranged symbols, and rotating a plurality of reels after a predetermined condition is satisfied Thus, the game controller 100 has a function of executing a third process for changing the scroll direction of the symbols.

  The ROM 42 stores a program such as a basic input / output system (BIOS) executed by the main CPU 41, and data used permanently. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, initialization processing of each peripheral device is performed, and reading processing of the game program and game system program stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50 is started. The RAM 43 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 41 performs processing.

  The communication interface 44 is for performing communication with a host computer or the like provided in the gaming facility via a communication line. Further, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80 are connected to the mother board 40 by USB (Universal Serial Bus), respectively. Further, a power supply unit 45 is connected to the mother board 40. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 45 to the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 is activated, and power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus to activate the CPU 51.

  The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to devices and devices that generate input signals input to the main CPU 41 and devices and devices whose operations are controlled by control signals output from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes arithmetic processing by executing the game program and game system program stored in the RAM 43 based on the input signal input to the main CPU 41, and stores the result in the RAM 43. As a control process for the apparatus, a process of transmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus is performed.

  The main body PCB 60 includes a lamp 30, a sub CPU 155, a hopper 66, a coin detector 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 29, a bill validator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, and a key switch. 38S and the data display 37 are connected.

  The lamp 30 is controlled to be turned on / off based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The sub CPU 155 controls rotation and stop of the reel 151 (151L / 151C / 151R). The sub CPU 155 is connected to a motor drive circuit 155 having a field programmable gate array (FPGA) (not shown) and a driver (not shown). The FPGA is a programmable electronic circuit such as an LSI, and functions as a control circuit for the stepping motor 152. The driver functions as an amplifier circuit for pulses input to the stepping motor 152. A stepping motor 152 (152L, 152C, 152R) that rotates each reel 151 is connected to the motor drive circuit 155. The stepping motor 152 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor.

  In the present invention, the excitation method of the stepping motor is not particularly limited, and for example, a two-phase excitation method, a one-phase excitation method, or the like can be adopted. Moreover, it is good also as employ | adopting a DC motor instead of a stepping motor. When a DC motor is employed, a deviation counter, a D / A converter, and a servo amplifier are sequentially connected to the sub CPU 61, and the DC motor is connected to the servo amplifier. The rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder, and the current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied as data from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.

  In addition, the work CPU 158, the left camera 154L, the middle camera 154C, and the right camera 154R are connected to the sub CPU 155. The left camera 154L is an image pickup device, and picks up an image of the two-dimensional code 160 included in the reel 151L according to a command from the sub CPU 155. The middle camera 154 </ b> C is an imaging device, and images the two-dimensional code 160 included in the reel 151 </ b> C according to a command from the sub CPU 155. The right camera 154R is an imaging device, and images the two-dimensional code 160 included in the reel 151R in response to a command from the sub CPU 155. The work RAM 158 stores the two-dimensional code imaged by each camera 154 and stores the relationship of the symbols 161 specified from the contents of the two-dimensional code.

  The hopper 66 is installed in the housing 11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening 19 to the coin tray 18 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The coin detection unit 67 is provided inside the coin payout exit 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it is detected that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit 19.

  The graphic board 68 controls image display on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The graphic board 68 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. Yes. Note that the image data used when generating the image data by VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

  The bill validator 22 reads an image of a bill and accepts a regular bill in the housing 11. Moreover, when the bill validator 22 accepts a regular bill, it outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on the amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores the number of credits corresponding to the amount of bills transmitted by the input signal in the RAM 43.

  Based on the control signal output from the main CPU 41, the ticket printer 35 prints on the ticket a barcode in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and identification number of the slot machine 10 stored in the RAM 43 is encoded. Output as a ticket 39 with code.

  The card reader 36 reads data from the smart card and transmits it to the main CPU 41, or writes data to the smart card based on a control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the keypad 38 is operated by the player. The data display 37 displays data read by the card reader 36 and data input by the player via the keypad 38 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

  A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20 includes a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a cashout switch 25S corresponding to the cashout button 25, and a 1-BET switch corresponding to the 1-BET button 26. 26S and a maximum BET switch 27S corresponding to the maximum BET button 27 is provided. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the corresponding button 23 to 27 is operated by the player.

  The coin counter 21C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21 and identifies whether or not the coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by the player is genuine. Items other than regular coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter 21 </ b> C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when a regular coin is detected.

  The reverter 21S operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, and a coin (not shown) installed in the slot machine 10 is a coin recognized as a regular coin by the coin counter 21C. Or distribute to the hopper 66. That is, when the hopper 66 is filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight installed on the back side of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33, and lights up based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

(Processing operation: main CPU 41)
Next, processing performed in the slot machine 10 will be described. The game progresses as the main CPU 41 reads out and executes the game program. As shown in FIG. 8, in the game execution process, it is determined whether or not a coin is bet (A1). In this process, it is determined whether or not an input signal from the 1-BET switch 26S is received when the 1-BET button 26 is pressed, and the maximum BET switch 27S is pressed when the maximum BET button 27 is pressed. It is determined whether an input signal has been received. If the coin is not bet (A1: NO), A1 is re-executed, and a standby state is entered until it is bet.

  On the other hand, when a coin is bet (A1: YES), the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is subtracted according to the number of coins bet (A2). If the number of coins bet is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the process proceeds to A4 described later without performing the process of subtracting the number of credits. Further, when the number of coins bet exceeds the upper limit (50 in this embodiment) that can be bet on one game, the process of subtracting the credit number is not performed. Processing shifts to A4 described later.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (A3). If the spin button 23 is not turned on (A3: NO), the process returns to A1. When the spin button 23 is not turned on (for example, when an instruction to end the game is inputted without the spin button 23 being turned on), the subtraction result in A2 is cancelled.

  On the other hand, when the spin button 23 is turned on (A3: YES), symbol determination processing (A4). That is, by executing the stop symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43, the symbols 161 to be stopped in the three display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R are determined. As a result, a combination of symbols to be stopped on the payline L is determined.

  Thereafter, the reel stop process is executed (A5), whereby the symbols 161 of the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R are scroll-displayed by the rotation of the reel 151. In this scroll process, after the symbol 161 is scrolled in the arrow direction, the symbol 161 determined in A4 is stopped (rearranged) in the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R.

  Specifically, when the left reel stop process is executed, the left reel 151L is stopped so that the symbol determined in A4 is stopped (rearranged) in the display window 150L. At this time, the reel stop signal (left) is transmitted in the sub CPU 155 to a fraud determination processing routine executed in a separate process. The fraud determination processing routine will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. When the middle reel stop process is executed, the middle reel 151C is stopped so that the symbols determined in the display window 150C are stopped (rearranged). At this time, a reel stop signal (medium) is transmitted to an illegal act determination routine described later. In addition, when the right reel stop process is executed, the right reel 151R is stopped so that the symbols determined in the display window 150R are stopped (rearranged). At this time, a reel stop signal (right) is transmitted to a later-described cheating determination routine.

  Subsequently, when all the reels are stopped (A6: YES), an all-reel stop signal is transmitted (A7) to an illegal act determination routine described later. If all the reels are not stopped (A6: NO), the reel stop process is executed (A5).

  When the scroll of the symbols 161 in the display windows 150L, 150C, and 150R is stopped after A7, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols 161 stopped on the payline L is a winning combination (A8). At this time, when the winning determination is completed, a winning determination end signal is transmitted to an illegal act determination processing routine described later. If it is not a winning combination (A9: NO), this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is a winning combination (A9: YES), a payout process is executed (A10). That is, if a winning of winning combination is established, the number of coins to be paid out based on this award is calculated.

  When coins to be paid out are stored, a predetermined number of credits is added to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when coins are paid out, a predetermined number of coins are paid out to the coin tray 18 by transmitting a control signal to the hopper 66.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a bonus trigger is established as a winning combination (A11). That is, it is determined whether or not the combination of “BLUE 7” is arranged on the payline, and when it is determined that the bonus trigger is established (A11: YES), the bonus game process is executed ( A12). Then, after the bonus game process is executed, this routine is finished. On the other hand, when the bonus trigger is not established (A11: NO), this routine is finished.

  Next, a cheating determination routine executed in a process different from the game execution process will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined from the game execution processing routine whether or not a reel stop signal or an all-reel stop signal has been received (C1). If all reel stop signals are not received (C1: NO), the system waits until it is received. On the other hand, when a reel stop signal or all-reel stop signal is received (C1: YES), initialization processing is performed (C2). Specifically, the image obtained by capturing the two-dimensional code 160 stored in the work RAM 158 and the reel position information are deleted, and the reel position information mismatch count is initialized to zero. The reel position information includes information indicating the relationship between the symbols 161. Next, a reel position acquisition processing subroutine described later is called to acquire reel position information (C3). Next, the acquired reel position information is stored in the work RAM 158 as reel position information at the time of stop (C4).

  Next, after waiting for a predetermined interval, a reel position acquisition processing subroutine described later is called again to acquire reel position information (C5). Next, the reel position information acquired at C5 is compared with the reel position information at the time of stop stored in the work RAM 158, and it is determined whether or not the comparison results match (C6). When it is determined that the comparison results match (C6: YES), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of all reel stop signals, or whether or not a winning determination end signal has been received. (C7). If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of all reel stop signals, or if it is determined that a winning determination end signal has been received (C7: YES), this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the reception of all reel stop signals and it is determined that the winning determination end signal has not been received (C7: NO), the processing of C5 is performed. The process returns to C5.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in C6 that the comparison results do not match (C6: NO), 1 is added to the number of reel position information mismatches stored in the work RAM 158 (C8). Next, it is determined whether or not the added reel position information mismatch count is a predetermined count or more (C9). If it is determined that the number of reel position information mismatches is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number (C9: NO), the process of C7 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reel position information mismatches is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (C9: YES), an illegal act signal is transmitted (C10). Specifically, an illegal act signal is transmitted to the hall computer 301 via the communication interface 44 and the network 300. Next, this routine ends.

  Next, a reel position acquisition processing subroutine called from the game execution processing routine and the cheating determination processing routine will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the camera 154 causes the two-dimensional code 160 to be imaged (B1). Next, the captured image is stored in the work RAM 158 (B2). Next, image conversion processing is performed on the image data stored in the work RAM 158 (B3). In the image conversion process, image data of an area where the two-dimensional code 160 is displayed is extracted from the image data obtained by taking an image, the inclination and distortion are corrected, and the image data is converted into a monochrome image with a predetermined threshold value. This is processing for obtaining image data including the two-dimensional code 160.

  Next, the two-dimensional code 160 is extracted from the image data obtained in the image conversion process, and correction such as noise removal is performed (B4). Next, it is determined whether the two-dimensional code 160 has been extracted, that is, whether the two-dimensional code 160 has been recognized (B5). If it is determined that the two-dimensional code 160 could not be recognized (B5: NO), the acquired reel position information stored in the work RAM 158 is deleted (B11). Next, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the two-dimensional code 160 has been recognized (B5: YES), the two-dimensional code 160 obtained in B4 is binarized, and each dot constituting the two-dimensional code is set to “0”. Alternatively, it is replaced with “1” (B6), and binarized matrix data is generated (B7). Next, the binary matrix data is decoded (B8). Next, it is determined whether or not the reel position information included in the decoded data exists in the symbol code table shown in FIG. 7 (B9). When it is determined that the reel position information included in the decoded data does not exist in the symbol code table (B9: NO), the acquired reel position information stored in the work RAM 158 is deleted (B11). Next, this subroutine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reel position information included in the decoded data exists in the symbol code table (B9: YES), the reel position information obtained by decoding is stored in the work RAM 158 (B10). Next, this subroutine is terminated.

  Next, a second embodiment of the gaming machine and its control method according to the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. The description of the same configuration and operation as those of the first embodiment is also omitted.

(Correspondence between symbol 161 and two-dimensional code 160)
FIG. 11A is an explanatory view showing the front surface and the back surface of the reel band 157. A plurality of symbols 161 are attached to the surface of the reel band 157. A two-dimensional code 160 corresponding to each symbol 161 attached to the front surface of the reel band 157 is attached to the rear surface of the reel band 157. A two-dimensional code 160 corresponding to the symbol 161 is attached to the back surface of the symbol 161 attached to the front surface of the reel band 157.

  Specifically, the symbol 161a attached to the front surface is “RED 7”, and a two-dimensional code 160a having information indicating “RED 7” is attached to the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161a is attached. ing. Further, the symbol 161b attached to the front surface is “1 Bar” having the code number 11 shown in FIG. 6, but the code number 11 is “1 Bar” on the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161b is attached. A two-dimensional code 160b having information indicating “Bar” is attached. Similarly, a two-dimensional code 160c having information indicating the upper body of the character “Don-chan” and a character “Don-chan” are displayed on the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161c which is the character “Don-chan” is attached. A two-dimensional code 160d having information indicating the lower body is attached. Similarly, a two-dimensional code 160e having information indicating “Blue 7” is attached to the back surface of the reel band 157 to which the symbol 161d “Blue 7” is attached.

  In this way, two two-dimensional codes 160 may be associated with one symbol. That is, one or more two-dimensional codes 160 may be associated with one symbol.

  FIG. 11B is an explanatory view showing the surface of the reel band 157. A plurality of symbols 161 are attached to the surface of the reel band 157. The two-dimensional code 160 corresponding to each symbol is attached with a predetermined distance from each symbol. Specifically, a two-dimensional code 160a corresponding to the symbol 161a is attached at a distance L1 from the symbol 161a. A two-dimensional code 160b corresponding to the symbol 161b is attached at a distance L2 from the symbol 161b. The distances L1 and L2 are different distances.

  As described above, the symbol and the two-dimensional code corresponding to the symbol may be attached at a predetermined distance. Further, the predetermined distance between the symbol and the two-dimensional code corresponding to the symbol may be changed for each symbol, may be constant, or may not be constant.

  In the above detailed description, the present invention has been described mainly with respect to characteristic parts so that the present invention can be more easily understood. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the above detailed description, and other implementations are described. It can also be applied to forms and its scope should be interpreted broadly. The terms and terminology used in the present specification are used to accurately describe the present invention, and are not used to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it would be easy for those skilled in the art to infer other configurations, systems, methods, and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims should be regarded as including an equivalent configuration without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the purpose of the abstract is to allow the patent office and general public organizations, engineers belonging to this technical field who are not familiar with patents, legal terms or technical terms to understand the technical content and essence of this application. It is intended to be able to make a quick decision with a simple survey. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the claims. In addition, in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and the effects of the present invention, it is desirable to fully consider the literatures already disclosed.

  The above detailed description includes processing executed on a computer or a computer network. The above description and expressions are described for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the most efficiently. In this specification, each step used for deriving one result or a block having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In each step and each block, transmission / reception of electric or magnetic signals, recording, and the like are performed. In the processing in each step and each block, such a signal is expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., but these are used only for convenience of explanation. It is necessary to pay attention to. In addition, the processes in each step and each block may be described in expressions common to human actions, but the processes described in this specification are executed by various devices in principle. Further, other configurations required for each step and each block are obvious from the above description.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which performed the illegal act to the gaming machine. It is the perspective view which looked at the reel from the inside of a housing | casing. It is a perspective view which shows a reel. It is explanatory drawing which shows a response | compatibility with a symbol and a two-dimensional code. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit of a game machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol and the code number of each symbol. It is a block diagram of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart of a game execution process. It is a flowchart of a reel position acquisition process. It is a flowchart of a fraud determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a response | compatibility with a symbol and a two-dimensional code. It is explanatory drawing which shows a response | compatibility with a symbol and a two-dimensional code.

Explanation of symbols

10 Slot machines (gaming machines)
100 Controller 150L, 150C, 150R Display window (arrangement area)
151L / 151C / 151R Reel 154 Imaging device 160 Two-dimensional code 161 Symbol

Claims (12)

A display having a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol, and arranging the plurality of symbols;
An imaging device for imaging the two-dimensional code;
A controller programmed to operate as follows (a)-(d);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship of the rearranged symbols by acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) A prize is determined based on the relationship among the plurality of identified symbols. A display having a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol, and arranging the plurality of symbols;
An imaging device for imaging the two-dimensional code;
A notification device for informing outside,
A controller programmed to operate as follows (a)-(g);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship of the rearranged symbols by acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) a prize is determined based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols,
(e) After the rearrangement, the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval;
(f) Compared to the previous relationship of the plurality of symbols,
(g) When the result of the comparison is different, the notification device notifies the user. A display having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol, having a reel on which a reel band is wound, and arranging the plurality of symbols;
An imaging device for imaging the two-dimensional code;
A controller programmed to operate as follows (a)-(d);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship of the rearranged symbols by acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) A prize is determined based on the relationship among the plurality of identified symbols. A display having a plurality of symbols on the front surface and having a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol on the back surface, having a reel around which a reel band is wound, and arranging the plurality of symbols;
An imaging device for imaging the two-dimensional code;
A controller programmed to operate as follows (a)-(d);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship of the rearranged symbols by acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) A prize is determined based on the relationship among the plurality of identified symbols. A display having a reel on which a reel band having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol is wound, and arranging the plurality of symbols;
An imaging device for imaging the two-dimensional code;
A notification device for informing outside,
A controller programmed to operate as follows (a)-(g);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship of the rearranged symbols by acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) a prize is determined based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols,
(e) After the rearrangement, the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval;
(f) Compared to the previous relationship of the plurality of symbols,
(g) When the result of the comparison is different, the notification device notifies the user. A display having a plurality of symbols on the front surface and having a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol on the back surface, having a reel around which a reel band is wound, and arranging the plurality of symbols;
An imaging device for imaging the two-dimensional code;
A notification device for informing outside,
A controller programmed to operate as follows (a)-(g);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship of the rearranged symbols by acquiring the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) a prize is determined based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols,
(e) After the rearrangement, the relationship between the plurality of symbols is specified at a predetermined interval;
(f) Compared to the previous relationship of the plurality of symbols,
(g) When the result of the comparison is different, the notification device notifies the user. A control method for a gaming machine that repeatedly performs a unit game in which a plurality of symbols are rearranged on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol,
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship between the rearranged symbols by obtaining the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) determining an award based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols;
A method characterized by comprising: A control method for a gaming machine that repeatedly performs a unit game in which a plurality of symbols are rearranged on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol,
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship between the rearranged symbols by obtaining the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) determining an award based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols;
(e) after relocation, identifying a relationship between the plurality of symbols at a predetermined interval;
(f) comparing with the previous relationship between the plurality of symbols;
(g) If the result of the comparison is different, informing by an informing device;
A method characterized by comprising: A control method for a gaming machine that repeatedly performs a unit game in which a plurality of symbols are rearranged on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol,
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship between the rearranged symbols by obtaining the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) determining an award based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols;
A method characterized by comprising: A control method for a gaming machine that repeatedly performs a unit game in which a plurality of symbols are rearranged on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol,
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship between the rearranged symbols by obtaining the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) determining an award based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols;
A method characterized by comprising: A control method for a gaming machine that repeatedly performs a unit game in which a plurality of symbols are rearranged on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol,
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship between the rearranged symbols by obtaining the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) determining an award based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols;
(e) after relocation, identifying a relationship between the plurality of symbols at a predetermined interval;
(f) comparing with the previous relationship between the plurality of symbols;
(g) If the result of the comparison is different, notifying by the notification device;
A method characterized by comprising: A control method for a gaming machine that repeatedly performs a unit game for rearranging a plurality of symbols on a display including a reel having a plurality of symbols and a two-dimensional code corresponding to each symbol,
(a) rearranging the plurality of symbols;
(b) causing the imaging device to image the two-dimensional code;
(c) identifying the relationship between the rearranged symbols by obtaining the content of the captured two-dimensional code;
(d) determining an award based on the relationship between the plurality of identified symbols;
(e) after relocation, identifying a relationship between the plurality of symbols at a predetermined interval;
(f) comparing with the previous relationship between the plurality of symbols;
(g) If the result of the comparison is different, informing by an informing device;
A method characterized by comprising:

Images