JP2002272903A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that a player feels troublesome about a B-B game because of needing to be constantly alert to the establishment of each end condition when the end conditions of the B-B game are increased and complicated. SOLUTION: When the received state of a start command is discriminated (step 301) and the assimilation of an R-B game twice and the almost completed state of a B-B game are discriminated, a message 'this will be the last R.B game', is displayed on a liquid crystal device 22 (step 302). When the frequency general games in B-B amounts to 28 times and the almost completed state of the B-B game is discriminated, a message 'three more general games in B-B are left', is displayed (step 303). When the total acquired number of medals exceeds 430 and the almost completed state of the B-B game is discriminated, a message 'the acquired number has exceeded 430', is displayed (step 304).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine for executing a special game advantageous to a player when a special game internal winning mode is determined.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in such a gaming machine, an internal random winning mode is determined by comparing an extracted random number value with data in a predetermined probability lottery table. There are various forms of winnings given to the player according to the probability lottery result.

For example, in the case of a slot machine, when a predetermined winning symbol is arranged on a variable display section during a normal general game in which various winning modes of a payout are generated, a small winning mode in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out. is there. In addition, there is also a winning mode of a winning game called a regular bonus game (hereinafter referred to as an RB game). This RB game occurs when a predetermined symbol different from a small winning prize symbol is completed during a general game. In the RB game, a high payout game in which a high payout is provided can be performed once.

[0004] A big bonus game (hereinafter referred to as B.
There is also a jackpot winning mode called "game B"). This BB game occurs when predetermined winning symbols different from small hits and middle hits are collected during a normal general game. In this BB game, a BB general game that generates various prize winning modes and a high prize game (R. (Game B) can be performed a plurality of times. In other words, in the BB game, a special game advantageous to the player including a plurality of sets of the BB normal game and the RB game is executed.

[0005] The general game during the BB game is the R game during the BB game.
-It is performed before shifting to the B game, and is performed at a maximum of, for example, 30 times during the BB game. In this general game during B / B, a small hit prize is generated with a higher probability than during the above-described normal general game, and when the small hit prize symbols are arranged on the variable display portion, the number corresponding to the small hit is obtained. Is paid out to the player. In such a BB game, a player can usually acquire a large amount of medals.

[0006] In a BB game, a slot machine of a model called an A type can play a BB game during the BB game.
Medium general games and RB games are set 3 times, B
In a slot machine of a model called a type, the number of times the BB general game and the RB game can be set during the BB game is set once or twice in advance.

In such a slot machine, B
-The B game is the player's most interesting game. Recently, the ending condition of the BB game has been increased and the game has become more complicated. For example, in the case of the BB game, when the number of general games in the BB exceeds 30 times, when the RB game is consumed three times or the like, when the total acquired number exceeds the specified maximum acquired number, The process ends when any one of the various conditions is satisfied.

[0008]

For this reason, in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, when the number of general games during B / B exceeds 30, or when the total number of acquired games exceeds a specified maximum number of acquired games,
The player may feel that the game that he thought to continue was suddenly ended without knowing the reason, and that he thought he had ended halfway and lost his game. When the end conditions of the BB game increase and become complicated as described above, the player needs to remember each ending condition in advance and constantly pay attention to the establishment of each ending condition. I feel more troublesome. In addition, it becomes difficult to know under what conditions the BB game has ended, and the player may be dissatisfied.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has a variable display section for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, and a prize mode determination for determining an internal prize mode by random number lottery. When the symbol corresponding to the special game prize mode is stopped and displayed on the variable display unit, the special game advantageous to the player is executed, and the special game is ended when any one of a plurality of end conditions is satisfied. A game processing controller configured to provide a notifying means for notifying a player of the approach when at least one of the plurality of end conditions is satisfied. It is characterized by.

According to this configuration, the player is notified that the end of the special game is about to end, and the player can recognize the end of the special game in advance.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the notifying means also notifies the type of the end condition which is likely to be satisfied.

According to this configuration, the type of the end condition is notified to the player, so that the player can recognize in advance which of the plurality of end conditions the special game is about to end. Can be done.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the notifying means notifies a plurality of times that the end condition is gradually satisfied.

According to this configuration, the approach of the end of the special game is notified a plurality of times, and the player can know the approach of the end of the special game step by step.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the notification means changes the notification mode in accordance with the degree of approach.

According to this configuration, the notification mode of the notification means changes according to the degree of approach of the special game end condition, and the degree of approach is notified to the player.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment in which a gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a slot machine 1 according to this embodiment.
It is a front view showing the appearance of.

At the center of the main body of the slot machine 1, three reels 2, 3, and 4 constituting a variable display section are rotatably provided. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4, a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter, referred to as symbols) is drawn. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Symbols such as “7”, “Angko”, “BAR”, “watermelon”, “orange”, “cherry”, and “JAC” are drawn. Three of these symbols are observed through the display windows 5, 6, 7 on the front of the slot machine 1, respectively. The display windows 5, 6, and 7 are provided with a total of five pay lines, three horizontal and two oblique. Further, on the lower right side of the display windows 5 to 7, an insertion slot 8 for a player to insert a medal is provided.

Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal through the medal slot 8, FIG.
As shown in (1), one horizontal pay line L1 at the center is activated. When two cards are inserted, two horizontal pay lines L2A and L2 are arranged on the upper and lower sides as shown in FIG.
B is added and three horizontal pay lines L1, L2A, L2B
Is activated. When three cards are inserted, five pay lines L1, L2A,
All of L2B, L3A, and L3B are activated. In addition,
The circles in the figure represent symbols drawn on the reels 2 to 4.

On the left side of the display windows 5 to 7, four chance LEDs (light emitting diodes) 9-1 from the top.
A few game operation display lamps 13 to 15, a stored number display section 16, and a start lamp 17 are provided. The chance LEDs 9 to 12 and the game operation display lamps 13 to 15 are controlled to be turned on according to the game state, and the game state at that time is notified to the player. Stored number display section 16
Consists of a 3-digit 7-segment LED, and indicates the number of medals currently credited inside the machine. The start lamp 17 blinks when each of the reels 2 to 4 can operate.

To the right of the display windows 5-7, from the top, a bonus count display section 18, a WIN lamp 19,
A payout number display section 20 and an insert lamp 21 are provided. The bonus count display unit 18 is composed of a three-digit seven-segment LED, and digitally displays the remaining number of possible prizes of the RB game and the jack game described later when the bonus game is won. The WIN lamp 19 is turned on when the symbols of the winning combination are aligned on the activated winning line. The payout number display section 20 is composed of a three-digit seven-segment LED and displays the number of medals paid out by winning. The insert lamp 21 is turned on when the insertion of a medal into the insertion slot 8 can be accepted.

A 7-inch liquid crystal display device 22 is provided immediately below the display windows 5 to 7. Various information is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. Liquid crystal display device 2
On the left side of 2, a cross key 23, an A button 24, a B button 2
There are provided a 5, 1 stored medal input switch 26, a 2 stored medal input switch 27, and a 3 stored medal input switch 28. The cross key 23 is switched in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and is operated together with the A button 24 and the B button 25 to be used when selecting information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. In addition, the storage medal input switch 26
28 are used for betting one to three medals in one game instead of inserting medals into the medal slot 8 when the number of medals is displayed and credited in the stored number display section 16. Is done.

Further, below the liquid crystal display device 22, from the left side, a stored medal settlement switch 29, a start lever 3
0 and stop buttons 31, 32, 33 are provided. The stored medal settlement switch 29 is used to settle a medal credited inside the machine. Also,
By operating the start lever 30, the rotation of each of the reels 2 to 4 starts simultaneously. The stop buttons 31 to 33 are arranged corresponding to the respective reels 2 to 4, and the respective reels 2 to 4
When the rotation of the reel 4 reaches a certain speed, the operation is validated, and the rotation of each of the reels 2 to 4 is stopped according to the operation of the player.

A medal tray 34 is provided at the lower front of the slot machine 1. The medal tray 34 stores medals paid out from a medal payout exit 35. In addition, a payout display section 36 is provided at the upper front part of the slot machine 1 to indicate how many medals are paid out for winning.

In the present slot machine 1, (1) a general game, (2) a BB game, and (3) an RB game described below are performed.

(1) General Game In a general game, a BB game occurs when three symbols "7" or "anko" are aligned on the activated pay line. When three symbols “BAR” are aligned on the activated pay line, an RB game occurs. Also,
When three “watermelon” and “orange” are aligned on the activated prize line, a small hit prize is generated. Further, when one symbol “cherry” stops on the activated pay line L1 of the first reel 2, a cherry small hit prize is generated.
When three symbols “JAC” are aligned on the activated pay line, a replay occurs. If the arranged symbol combination is not in any of these modes, an out-of-game (game without payout) occurs.

When an RB game win and a BB game win occur, 15 payout medals are paid out, respectively, and after the payout of the medals, a high payout game is given to the player in the RB game. BB game, which is a special game advantageous to the player, can be performed. Also, "watermelon",
When small wins of "orange" and "cherry" are generated, 15 medals, 8 medals and 2 medals are paid out, respectively, and the generated small hits game is paid out and the game ends. In addition, when a replay game occurs, there is no medal payout, but the game can be played again without medal insertion.

(2) BB Game In the BB game, first, a general game is executed. An out-of-game may also occur in the general game during the BB game (general game in the BB), but the above-described small hit prize has a higher probability than in the normal general game other than the BB game. appear.

In addition, during this B / B general game, the JAC
When the symbol combinations are lined up, six medals are paid out.

Thereafter, an RB game, which is a high payout game in which a high payout is awarded, is executed. This RB game is played with one bet, and during this RB game, further JAC
When the symbol combinations are lined up, a jackpot game prize is generated, and 15 medals are paid out. While an out-of-game may occur during the RB game, a jackpot prize may occur with a high probability of about 9/10. In the present embodiment, the RB game ends when the jackpot game prize is generated eight times, or when the total number of games executed during the RB game reaches twelve.

When the RB game is over, the above-described BB general game is performed again. If the symbol combination described above occurs during the general game,
Thereafter, the RB game described above is further performed. The BB game is a special game in which a set of the general game and the RB game shown in the above (1) and (2) is repeatedly performed.

In this embodiment, three sets of the general game and the RB game are performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the first general game and the first RB game are set during the BB. Is performed, then the second general game during BB and the second RB game are set, and finally, BB
The third set of the middle general game and the third set of the RB game are performed. Here, the description is made on the assumption that the game proceeds smoothly without puncturing (interruption) on the way. When a series of three sets of games are performed, the BB game ends.

However, the BB game is also terminated when the total number of medals acquired during the BB game exceeds a predetermined maximum obtained number. In the present embodiment, the predetermined maximum acquired number is set to 450. In addition, when the total number of games in the general game state of the above and, that is, the total number of games excluding the number of games in the above RB game during the BB game exceeds a predetermined maximum number, -The B game ends. In the present embodiment, the maximum number is set to 30 times.

(3) RB Game The RB game other than during the BB game occurs during the normal general game described above in (1), and the high payout game shown in the BB game is Performed once and ends. This R
In the B game, unlike the BB game, the above-mentioned general games in which a small hit occurs with a high probability are not performed.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the circuit configuration of the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62 for controlling the game processing operation of the slot machine 1 described above.

A control unit in the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 5 is a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer).
63 is a main component, and a circuit for sampling random numbers is added thereto. The microcomputer 63 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 64 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a program ROM (read only memory) that is a program storage unit.
65 and a control RAM (random access memory) 66 with a backup function.
The CPU 64 includes a clock pulse generating circuit 67 for generating a reference clock pulse and a frequency divider 68, a random number generator 69 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a 1 for the generated random number.
A random number sampling circuit 70 for specifying one is connected. Further, an I / O port 71 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a peripheral device (actuator) described later is connected. The storage section of the ROM 65 is divided so as to store a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and a sequence program.

In the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3, a random number generator 69 and a random number sampling circuit 70 which are separate circuits from the microcomputer 63 are used as random number generating means and random number sampling means. ,
That is, random number sampling may be performed on the operation program of the CPU 64. In this case, the random number generator 69 and the random number sampling circuit 70 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

In this embodiment, the microcomputer 63 executes a BB game that is advantageous to the player, and terminates the BB game when any one of a plurality of end conditions is satisfied. Is composed.

The main actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 63 include a stepping motor 45 for rotatingly driving the reels 2, 3, and 4, various lamps (game operation display lamps 13 to 15, a start lamp 17). , A WIN lamp 19), various display units (the stored number display unit 16, the chance LEDs 9 to 12, the bonus count display unit 18, the winning award number display unit 20), and a hopper 72 for storing medals. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71 of the microcomputer 63.

The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal includes a medal sensor 8S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal slot 8, a start lever There is a start switch 30S for detecting the operation of the stored medals 30, the stored medal insertion switches 25 to 27, and the stored medal settlement switch 29 described above. Further, there is provided a reel position detecting circuit 77 which detects an output pulse signal from a photo sensor (not shown) and detects a rotational position of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4.

The reel position detecting circuit 77 includes reels 2 to 4
Is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45 is counted, and the counted value is calculated as R
Write to a predetermined area of AM66. Therefore, the RAM 66 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range for each of the reels 2 to 4.

The input signal generating means includes a reel stop signal circuit 78 for generating a signal for stopping a corresponding reel when the stop button 31, 32, 33 is pressed, and a medal number paid out from the hopper 72. And a payout completion signal generating circuit (not shown). The payout completion signal generation circuit is configured to provide a medal payout when the medal count value actually paid out input from the medal detection unit 72S reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal input from the display unit drive circuit 75. Generates a signal to detect the completion of the operation. Each circuit constituting these input signal generating means is also connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71.

A sub-control unit communication port 79 is connected to the I / O port 71, and the microcomputer 63 communicates with the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79.
Send a signal to The sub-control board 62 shown in FIG.
A main control unit communication port 88 for receiving this signal is provided. Communication between the sub control unit communication port 79 and the main control unit communication port 88 is performed only in one direction from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88. In the present embodiment, a signal transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88 includes a command type whose control type is represented by a 7-bit length, and a command type represented by an 8-bit or 24-bit length. It consists of a set of parameters whose contents are represented.

The control section of the sub-control board 62 includes a microcomputer 81 as a main component and a circuit for sampling random numbers. The microcomputer 81 also
Similar to the microcomputer 63 in the main control board 61, a sub CP that performs a control operation according to a preset program
U82 and program ROM as program storage means
83 and a control RAM 84 with a backup function. A clock pulse generating circuit 85 for generating a reference clock pulse and a frequency divider 86 are also connected to the sub CPU 82. Further, the sub CPU 82 transmits and receives signals to and from the main control unit communication port 88 and an actuator described later. The / O port 87 is connected. The sub CPU 82 calculates data necessary for displaying the gaming machine data on the liquid crystal display device 22 for each game based on a command transmitted from the main control board 61, and stores the data stored in the control RAM 84 for each game. Updated to the calculated data.

As an actuator whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 81, there are reel back lamps 47a, 47b and 47c built in each of the reels 2 to 4. The lighting of these back lamps 47a to 47c
It is controlled by a drive signal from a lamp drive circuit 89 connected to the / O port 87. Further, as the input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 81 to generate the control signal, there are the above-described cross key 23, A button 24, and B button 25.

The I / O port 87 has an image control IC.
(Highly integrated circuit) 90 and a sound source IC 91 are connected. The image control IC 90 is connected to a character ROM 92 storing character data and a video RAM 93 serving as a memory for displaying a color display.
An image is displayed on the inch liquid crystal display device 22. As will be described later, the microcomputer 81 fetches information such as the game state at that time, the type of the winning flag, and the type of the BB game ending condition that is likely to be established from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88. An image effect pattern to be displayed is selected based on the game state and the winning flag. Then, the image control IC 90 is controlled to cause the liquid crystal display device 22 to display the selected image effect pattern and the types of BB game ending conditions that are likely to be established.

Here, character ROM 92, video R
The AM 93, the image control IC 90, the liquid crystal display device 22, and the microcomputer 81 notify the player that at least one of the plurality of BB game end conditions is likely to be satisfied when the condition is likely to be satisfied. Notification means. In the present embodiment, the notifying unit also notifies the type of the end condition that is likely to be satisfied.

A sound ROM 94 in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 91, and the sound source IC 91 emits sound from a speaker 96 via a power amplifier 95 under the control of the microcomputer 81.
The microcomputer 81 responds to an instruction input from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88, and
By controlling the C91 and the power amplifier 95, the speaker 96 outputs sound effects such as a medal insertion sound, a start lever operation sound, a stop button operation sound, and a game sound during a bonus game.

FIG. 7 conceptually shows a probability lottery table stored in the ROM 65 of the main control board 61.
This probability lottery table stores data for dividing a random number in a certain range generated by the random number generator 69 into each winning mode, and this data is determined by the game state and the number of inserted medals. For example, when one medal is inserted at the time of “general game”, a probability table T _S1 is selected from the table and random numbers in a certain range generated by the random number generator 69 are stored in the table T _S1. Is divided by the data. That is, it is determined to which group of the section in the table the one random number value specified by the sampling circuit 70 belongs, and the internal winning mode is determined. Here, a clock pulse generation circuit 67, a frequency divider 68, a random number generator 69,
The control unit including the sampling circuit 70 and the microcomputer 63 constitutes a winning mode determining unit that determines the internal winning mode by comparing the extracted random number value with data in a predetermined probability lottery table.

Each table T _S1 ,
In T _S2 and T _S3 , the random numbers are grouped into the following sections: BB game, RB game, small hit prize game, replay game (replay), and loss. By increasing the number of inserted medals to two or three, the probability of each winning is increased.

In the probability lottery, the BB game or the R.
When the B game occurs and the BB flag or the RB flag is set, the BB game or the R
・ When the symbol combinations of the B game are not lined up,
"B" which is the state immediately before the B game or the RB game enters.
"B or RB inside hit" game state.

In this game state, the probability extraction shown in the table is performed.
Table T as selection table_F1, T _F2, T_F3Is the input meda
Selected according to the number of files. In each of these tables,
Is a small win prize game, a replay, and a loss section
Are grouped into Also, if the game state is “B ・ B
When it comes to “general games,” the probability lottery table
T_B1, T_B2, T_B3Is selected according to the number of inserted medals.
In each of these tables, the random numbers are
Jack game (replay) winning and losing each section
Grouped.

The table shown in FIG. 8 shows an example of data stored in each probability lottery table when the number of medals is three as shown in FIG. That is, in the probability lottery table T _S3 when the game state is the general game, 52, 50, 100, 300, 2000, and 224 are respectively provided for each lottery combination BB, RB, watermelon, orange, cherry, and replay.
Numerical data of 5 is stored. Note that the numerical data of the lottery combination in the replay indicates the winning probability (JAC IN) of entering the RB game (high payout game) in the general game state of BB. These numerical data indicate a random number width for dividing a random number in the range of 0 to 16383 generated by the random number generator 69. For example, when the probability lottery table T _S3 is used, the BB game has 52/52.
It occurs with a probability of 16384.

The probability lottery table T _F3 in which the gaming state is inside and the probability lottery table T _{B3 in} the case of the general game in BB
Similarly, random number width data for classifying the generated random numbers is stored in the same manner. In the table, a portion in which a horizontal bar without numerical data is indicated indicates that the winning combination is not selected.

The R of the main control board 61 shown in FIG.
The symbol table (not shown) stored in the OM 65 associates the rotation position of each of the reels 2 to 4 with a symbol, and represents each symbol row by a symbol. The symbol table includes a code number sequentially assigned to each reel at a constant rotation pitch based on a rotation position at which a reset pulse is generated, and a symbol code indicating a symbol provided corresponding to each code number. Are stored.

The ROM 65 stores a winning symbol combination table (not shown). In this winning symbol combination table, the symbol code of each winning symbol combination posted on the payout display section 36,
A symbol code of a symbol combination constituting the “reach eye”, a winning determination code representing each winning, a winning medal payout number, and the like are stored. Here, the reach is a BB or RB when the BB or RB game winning flag is set in the above-mentioned BB or RB inside winning game state set by the internal lottery. This is a symbol combination that suggests to the player that the game is about to occur. The winning symbol combination table is referred to at the time of stop control of the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4, and at the time of confirming a winning after stopping all the reels.

Next, the outline of the operation of the slot machine 1 controlled by the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

First, an initialization process at the start of the game is performed (FIG. 9, step 101).
R at the end of the game to erase the data stored in AM66
An AM clear process is performed (step 102). next,
The main CPU 64 determines whether or not a replay (replay) has occurred as a result of the previous game and there is a request for automatic insertion of medals (step 103). If there is this automatic insertion, the game medals corresponding to the insertion request are then automatically inserted (step 104). On the other hand, when there is no automatic insertion request, next, a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 8 by the player and a detection signal is input from the medal sensor 8S, or the insertion signal is input by operating the bet switches 26 to 28. Wait for input (step 105). During a general game, up to three medals can be inserted.
One medal can be inserted in a bonus game during a game or an RB game.

The above steps 104 and 10
5, the sub control unit communication port 79 connects the sub control board 6
2, the game medal insertion information is transmitted. The game medal insertion information includes a command type indicating game medal insertion,
And a parameter representing the number of inserted medals. By receiving the game medal insertion information, the sub CPU 82 determines the number of medals inserted in the current game.

Next, by operating the start lever 30,
It is determined whether a start signal has been input from the start switch (step 106). This determination is "YE
In the case of "S", it is next determined whether or not 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game (step 107). If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, until 4.1 seconds have elapsed. The waiting time for starting the game is exhausted (step 108) If the operation of the start lever 30 is performed before the elapse of 4.1 seconds,
A reel rotation impossible sound is output from the speaker 96.

When 4.1 seconds have passed since the last game,
The random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 69 is extracted by the sampling circuit 70 (step 109), and thereafter, the one game monitoring timer for counting 4.1 seconds is set (step 110).

Next, a probability lottery process is performed based on the random number value extracted in step 109 (FIG. 10, step 111). This probability lottery process is performed by the sampling circuit 70
It is performed by determining which random number value belongs to which lottery combination in the winning probability table (see FIG. 8). At this time, the winning probability table to be referred to is selected as described above according to the gaming state at that time. Then, a hit request flag indicating a lottery combination to which the extracted random number value belongs is set by the main CPU 64 in a predetermined area of the RAM 66.

Next, the main CPU 64 performs an effect selection process for selecting an effect pattern to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 (step 112). R of the sub-control board 62
Various effect patterns are stored in advance in the OM 83 for each game state, and in the effect selection process in step 112, an effect pattern corresponding to the game state at that time is appropriately selected from patterns stored in advance. This is done by:

In step 112, the game start information (start command) is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 of the main control board 61 to the main control unit communication port 88 of the sub control board 62.

The game start information is composed of a command type indicating a game start and a 24-bit parameter indicating a hit request flag and the like, and is transmitted after the operation of the start lever 30 is detected and a probability lottery process is performed. You. This parameter is the least significant bit 0 to the most significant bit 23
If it is a bit, the request flag is represented by hitting the upper bits 15 to 23. For example, if a bit is set at bit 15, the hit request flag is cherry, and if a bit is set at bit 16, the hit request flag is orange. Similarly, bits 17 and 1 are indicated.
If a bit is set at 8, 19, or 20, it indicates that the hit request flag is watermelon, replay, RB, or BB, respectively.

When the current gaming state is the general gaming state, the lower bits 0 to 14 of the parameters represent the effect type information selected by the main CPU 64 as a result of the effect selecting process. When the current gaming state is the RB gaming state, the lower bits 0 to 3 of the parameter represent the number of possible games (12 to 1) of the jack game, and the bits 8 and 9 represent the number of the RB game. Indicates the number of times of operation (3 to 0). When the current gaming state is the BB gaming state, the lower bits 0 to 4 of the parameter represent the number of times that the general gaming is possible in the BB (30 to 1), and the bits 8 and 9 are the RB gaming state. Similarly to the case, the number of operable times (3 to 0) of the RB game is represented.

When the sub CPU 82 receives the game start information, the game start sound is output from the speaker 96 and the liquid crystal display device 22 performs the reel rotation display when the current game state is the general game state. . Also, at the time of a general game in which the inside of the BB or RB is hit, the speaker 96
, The sound effect group of the chance effect is output, and the liquid crystal display device 22 performs the chance effect. If the current gaming state is the RB gaming state, the speaker 96
, A game start sound and a sound effect group of the RB game effect are output, and the liquid crystal display device 22 performs the RB game effect display. When the current game state is the BB game state, the game start sound and the sound effect group of the BB game effect are output from the speaker 96, and the BB game effect and the remaining number of BB game effects are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. Display.

Next, the main CPU 64 drives the stepping motor 45 to rotate, and the reels 2 to 4 are rotated (step 113). Next, it is determined whether any of the stop buttons 31 to 33 has been turned on (step 114). If not turned on,
It is determined whether the automatic stop timer has reached 0 (step 115). When the stop buttons 31 to 33 are not operated for a predetermined time, each of the reels 2 is automatically stopped.
To stop automatically after a predetermined time has elapsed.

When any one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is turned on or the automatic stop timer becomes 0, the number of symbols to be drawn on the activated pay line, that is, the number of sliding frames, is determined. (Step 11
6). The number of sliding pieces is determined based on a game state, a winning request, the number of control pieces, a symbol position, and the like. Game state is RAM6
6 is shown in the gaming state status, and the winning request is indicated by the hit request flag described above. The number of control frames is stored as a table in the ROM 65 in accordance with the order of the symbols for which the pull-in control is prioritized. The number of control frames is a frame number within a range in which the pull-in control is possible, and is set to a maximum of 4 frames for each winning combination during a general game. The symbol position is position data of each of the reels 2 to 4 written in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. This symbol position is
It is the data of the symbol present at each activation winning line at that time, and is stored as a symbol code.

When determining the number of sliding frames, first, the current game state is referred to, and a priority order table corresponding to the game state is selected. Next, the number of control frames of the winning combination according to the winning request is referred to from the selected table. afterwards,
The symbol position at that time is referred to, and the symbol at that time on the activation line of the first stop reel is grasped. If this symbol is not a symbol for the winning request,
It is determined whether there is a symbol corresponding to the winning request within the range of the referenced control frame number. If the symbol corresponding to the winning request is within the range of the number of control frames, the number of frames from the activated winning line to the symbol is determined as the number of sliding frames.

Next, the number of sliding frames is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. Thereafter, a stop request flag for the first stop reel is set, and in response to the setting of the stop request flag, the first stop reel is rotated by the determined number of sliding frames, and rotation of one reel is performed. It is stopped (step 117). Next, it is determined whether or not all the reels 2 to 4 have stopped (step 118). If the second reel and the third reel are not yet stopped,
The processing returns to step 114, and the above processing is repeated.

Next, a winning search process is performed by the main CPU 64 (FIG. 11, step 119). In the winning search process, the type of the winning flag indicating the combination of the symbols actually arranged on the activated winning line matches the type of the hit request flag determined by the probability lottery process. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step 120). If this determination result is not normal, for example, if the watermelon symbol combination is aligned on the activated winning line but the hit request flag is a cherry flag, an illegal error is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. (Step 121).

If the winning flag is normal, then a credit or a payout of game medals is performed depending on the state at that time (step 122). In other words, in the state where the game is played with credits, the number of credits displayed on the credit number display section 13 is increased by the number of medals obtained by winning, and the game is performed by inserting medals into the slot 8. In this state, the number of medals obtained by winning is paid out to the tray 34.

In this step 122, the winning information is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. The winning information is composed of a command type indicating winning and a 24-bit parameter indicating winning information, and is transmitted after all the reels 2 to 4 are stopped and a winning search is performed. The four lower bits 0 to 3 of the 24-bit parameter indicate the type of the symbol that generated the BB game during the general game, and represent the number of possible jackpot winnings (8 to 1) during the RB game. Also,
The four high-order bits 4 to 7 represent the number of payout medals, and the five high-order bits 8 to 12 represent the type of a winning line in which a winning symbol combination is prepared. Further, the higher bits 13 to 24 indicate the type of the hit request flag set in the probability lottery process in step 111.

The sub CPU 82 counts the total number of medals acquired by the player during the BB game by receiving the winning information transmitted from the main board 61 in step 122. This counting is performed by calculating the difference between the number of inserted medals in the game medal insertion information received in Step 104 or Step 105 and the number of medals paid out in the winning information received in Step 122. This counting result is referred to in steps 601, 603, and 605 of the flowchart of FIG. 17 described later. Similarly, the main CPU 64 on the main control board 61 side also
The total number of medals acquired by the player during the B game is counted. This counting result is referred to in step 201 of the flowchart of FIG.

Next, when the winning symbol combination is aligned on the activated winning line in the winning search processing, the WIN lamp 19 provided on the front panel is turned on by the main CPU 6.
The lighting process is performed by step 4 (step 123). next,
The main CPU 64 determines whether the current game state is the operation of the BB game or the RB game (step 124). If the BB game or RB game is not running, the game processing by the main CPU 64 returns to step 102, and the next new game is started. If the BB game or the RB game is in operation, the number of games in the BB game or the RB game is checked by the main CPU 64 (step 125).

Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current game state is the end of the BB game by referring to the set state of the end flag (step 126).
If the end flag is set and the BB game is to be ended, the RAM clear processing at the end of the BB game is performed by RA
This is performed for M66 (step 127). afterwards,
The game processing returns to step 102 and the next new game is started. If it is not the end of the BB game in step 126, the game processing returns to step 102 and the next new game is started.

The details of the BB / RB game number check processing in step 125 described above are shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 12 and FIG.

In the BB and RB game number check processing,
First, it is determined whether or not the total number of obtained medals during the BB game has exceeded 450 (FIG. 12, step 20).
1). If the total number of obtained medals in the BB game exceeds 450, the process proceeds to the initial process at the time of ending the BB game in step 208, and the BB game is ended. In the present embodiment, when the total number of medals acquired during the B / B game exceeds 450, the B / B game is terminated in any case as described above. The termination condition may or may not be provided.

Next, it is determined whether or not the RB game is in operation (step 202). If the RB game is running, the process proceeds to step 209 described later. If the RB game is not running,
Next, 1 is subtracted from the number of times of normal game play in BB stored in the RAM 66 (step 203). Initially, this B
The number of times that the general game can be performed in B is set to a maximum of 30 times. Next, in the probability lottery process of step 111 this time,
It is determined whether or not the B game has been won (step 204). If there is a prize in the RB game,
Initial processing at the time of game B operation is performed (step 2
05), the BB, RB game number check processing ends.

If it is determined in step 204 that there is no winning in the RB game, then it is determined whether or not the end flag of the BB game is set (step 20).
6). When the end flag of the BB game is set, the initial process at the end of the BB game is performed (step 208), and then the BB / RB game number check process is ended. If the end flag of the BB game is not set, then the B
As a result of the subtraction process of the number of times of general game during B, whether the number of times of general game during BB has become 0, that is, whether or not the number of times of general game during BB has reached the maximum of 30 is determined. (Step 207). If the number of times that the general game can be played during BB is not 0, the BB / RB game number check processing is ended as it is. Also, when the number of times that the general game can be performed during BB becomes 0, the initial processing at the end of the BB game is performed (step 208), and then the BB / RB game number check processing is ended.

Also, as a result of the determination at step 202,
If the game is in operation, it is next determined whether or not the jack (JAC) game prize, which occurs during the RB game, has occurred (step 209 in FIG. 13).
If the jackpot game has been won, then 1 is subtracted from the number of possible jackpot games (step 2).
10). The number of possible jackpot games is initially set at eight. Next, as a result of the subtraction processing, it is determined whether or not the number of possible jackpot winnings has become zero (step 211).

If the number of possible jack game prizes is not 0, or if the result of determination in step 209 is not a jack game prize, then 1 is subtracted from the number of possible jack game games (step 212). The number of possible games in this jack game is initially set to 12 times. Next, as a result of the subtraction processing, it is determined whether or not the number of times the jackpot game can be played has become 0 (step 21).
3).

If the number of jackpot games that can be played is not 0, the BB / RB game number checking process is terminated. In addition, when the number of times the jack game can be played becomes 0, or when the number of times the jack game can be won becomes 0 in the determination of step 211, initial processing at the end of the RB game is performed (step 214). ).
Next, 1 is subtracted from the number of operable times of the RB game (step 215). The number of operable times of the RB game is initially set to three times. Next, the result of this subtraction, R
It is determined whether or not the number of operable times of the B game has become 0 (step 216).

When the number of operable times of the RB game has become 0, the processing shifts to the aforementioned step 208,
・ After the initial processing at the end of the B game is performed,
The BB and RB game number check processing ends. Also, R
If the number of operable times of the B game has not become zero, it is next determined whether or not the number of times of normal game play during BB has become zero (step 217).

In the game in which the winning of the RB game has occurred, the BB / RB game number check processing is executed in step 20.
In 3, 1 is subtracted from the number of times that the general game can be performed during the BB, and then the processing ends after performing Steps 204 and 205. That is, in the game in which the prize of the RB game has occurred, the process of determining whether or not the number of times that the BB game can be played in the BB in step 207 has become zero. For this reason, in this step 217, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the number of times the BB regular game can be played has become 0, and in the RB operating game next to the BB regular game in which the RB game winning has occurred, the BB regular It is determined whether or not the maximum number of games has been reached.

If it is determined in step 217 that the number of times of normal games that can be played during BB is not 0, the BB / RB game number check processing is terminated. Further, when the number of times that the general game can be performed during BB has become 0, the processing shifts to step 208 described above, and after the initial processing at the end of the BB game is performed, the BB / RB game number check processing is performed. Is finished.

FIG. 14 shows the sub CPU of the sub control board 62.
It is a flowchart which shows the end condition approach notification process of BB game performed by 82.

In the BB game end condition approach notification processing, first, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not game start information (start command) has been received from the main control board 61 (FIG. 14, step 301). This start command corresponds to step 1 of the main flowchart.
12 (see FIG. 10). If the start command has not been received, the end condition approach notification processing ends. Further, when the start command is received, next, the remaining number-of-RB games check process is performed by the sub CPU 82 (step 302), and subsequently, the BB normal game number-of-games check process is performed (step 303). . Finally, the BB total medal acquisition number check processing is performed (step 304), and the BB game end condition approach notification processing is ended.

The process of checking the remaining number of RB games in step 302 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not the RB game has been completed twice (step 401 in FIG. 15). This determination is made by referring to bits 8 and 9 in the parameters of the start command transmitted from the main board 61 in step 112 of the main flowchart. As a result, when digestion was performed twice, FIG.
Is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 22 (step 402). If the game has not yet been completed twice, the RB game remaining number check process ends.

The process of checking the number of times of normal games during BB in step 303 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not the number of times of the BB regular game has reached 30 times (FIG. 1).
6, step 501). This determination is made by referring to bits 0 to 4 in the parameters of the start command. As a result, when the number of general games in the BB has reached 30 times, the comment "-c is the last BB" in the comment 2-c shown in FIG.
It is medium general game. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 2
2 is displayed on the screen (Step 502).

If the number of regular games during BB has not reached 30 times, then it is determined whether or not the number of regular games during BB has reached 29 times (step 503). As a result, when the number of the general games in the BB has reached 29 times, the comment “2-b general games in the BB is the remaining two times” in the comment 2-b shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 22 (step 504). If the number of general games during BB has not reached 29, then the number of general games during BB is 28.
It is determined whether the number of times has been reached (step 505). As a result, if the number of general games during BB has not reached 28, the process of checking the number of general games during BB is terminated. If the number of general games during BB has reached 28,
The message "Common game during BB is three remaining" of comment 2-a shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the screen of liquid crystal display device 22 (step 506), and the process of checking the number of common games during BB is completed.

The BB total medal acquisition number check processing of step 304 in FIG. 14 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, the sub CPU determines whether or not the total number of obtained medals in BB has exceeded 445 (FIG. 17, step 601). When the total number of medals acquired in the BB exceeds 445, a message of comment 3-c "The acquired number has exceeded 445" is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 22 in FIG. (Step 602).

If the total number of medals acquired in BB does not exceed 445, then the total number of medals acquired in BB is 4
It is determined whether or not the number has exceeded 40 (step 60).
3). As a result, when the total number of medals acquired in the BB exceeds 440, the message “The acquired number exceeds 440” in the comment 3-b shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 22. Displayed (step 60
4). If the total number of medals acquired in BB does not exceed 440, then the total number of medals acquired in BB is 4
It is determined whether or not 30 sheets have been exceeded (step 60).
5). As a result, if the total number of medals acquired during the BB does not exceed 430, the process of checking the number of acquired BBs is completed. 430 total medals won in BB
If the number exceeds the number, the comment 3-c shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 22 (step 60).
6), the BB total medal acquisition number check processing ends.

In the above-described processing, when the establishment of the respective end conditions is approaching together, for example, as shown on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 22 in FIG. 19, the message of the approach of the respective end conditions is simultaneously displayed in parallel. You.

According to the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the player is notified by a message displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 that the BB game is about to end, and the player -The end of the B game can be recognized in advance. For this reason, the player must
There is no complaint about ending the game because the game never feels suddenly ended. In addition, the player does not need to remember all the BB game end conditions and does not need to be constantly concerned with the establishment of each end condition. It is possible to concentrate on the BB game and to enjoy the BB game.

In this embodiment, the type of the BB game end condition, that is, whether the RB game has been performed a specified number of times, or whether the general game during BB has reached the specified maximum number of times,
Since the player is notified whether the total number of medals acquired during the BB has reached the specified number, the player determines which of the plurality of ending conditions the BB game is about to end. You can recognize in advance. Therefore, the player can recognize in advance the reason why the BB game ends, and does not know the reason and does not feel dissatisfied with the BB game suddenly ending halfway.

In the present embodiment, the number of remaining general games during the BB is reported as three, two, and one, and the number of acquired BBs is reported as 430, 440, and 445. That is, the approach of the end of the BB game is notified a plurality of times, and the player can know the approach of the end of the BB game step by step. For this reason, the player
At each notification of the approach to the end of the B game, it is possible to gradually awaken the commitment to the B / B game, and to accept the end of the B / B game in a straightforward manner.

In the above-described embodiment, the notification means may be configured to change the notification mode in accordance with the degree of approach of the BB game end condition. For example, in the above-described BB acquisition number check process, the movement of the character on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 22 is gradually increased according to the degree of increase in the acquired number to 430, 440, or 445, or Along with the screen display of the display device 22, the speaker 96 emits a sound effect that intensifies a sense of urgency. Conversely, the movement of the character on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 22 is made slower, and the sound effect from the speaker 96 is made gentler, depending on the degree of the decrease in the number of acquired images. By providing the notification means with such a configuration, the interest of the notification is increased, and the interest of the game is improved.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the liquid crystal display device 22 for visually displaying and notifying the established end condition is used as the informing means, but the speaker 96 for notifying the established end condition by sound is notified. Means can also be used. That is, in the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 to 17, the act of displaying the comment 1 to the comment 3-c of FIG. 18 on the liquid crystal display device 22 can be emitted as sound from the speaker 96.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the number of general games that can be played in the BB game exceeds the specified maximum number, the RB game in the BB game is changed to the specified number. It has been described that the game is terminated when the number of games has been exhausted or when the total number acquired in the BB game exceeds a prescribed maximum number acquired. However, the present invention is not limited to these ending conditions.
The BB game may be terminated when the prescribed time has elapsed in the B game, for example, and various termination conditions may be employed.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine. When applied to a pachinko machine, for example, a jackpot game in which a special winning opening is opened and a plurality of rounds of game are continuously performed ends in two remaining rounds, and one remaining
Inform the end of the round, etc.

The same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained by such a configuration.

[0105]

As described above, according to the present invention, the player is notified that the end of the special game is imminent, and the player can recognize the end of the special game in advance. For this reason, the player does not feel that the special game has ended suddenly, so that no complaint about the end of the special game occurs. In addition, the player does not need to remember all the end conditions, and does not need to constantly pay attention to the establishment of each end condition, so that the annoyance felt in the special game is eliminated,
You can concentrate on special games and enjoy special games.

In the case where the notification means also notifies the type of the end condition that is likely to be established, the type of the end condition is notified to the player. It is possible to recognize in advance which of the ending conditions the special game is about to end. Therefore, the player can recognize in advance the reason for ending the special game, and does not know the reason, and does not feel dissatisfied with the sudden end of the special game.

In the case where the notifying means notifies a plurality of times that the end condition is gradually satisfied, the approach of the end of the special game is notified a plurality of times, and the player is notified of the end of the special game. You can know the approach of a step by step. Therefore, the player can gradually awaken the commitment to the special game every time the special game end approach is notified, and can accept the end of the special game in a straightforward manner.

In the case where the notification means is configured to change the notification mode according to the degree of approach to the end of the special game,
The notification mode of the notification means changes according to the degree of approach of the special game end condition, and the degree of approach is notified to the player.
For this reason, the interest of the notification increases, and the interest of the game improves.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a view showing a symbol drawn on a reel of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 and a winning mode corresponding to the symbol.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which a winning line described in a display window of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 is sequentially activated.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the contents of a BB game performed by the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration formed on a main control board of the slot machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration configured on a sub-control board of the slot machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a configuration of a probability lottery table provided in the slot machine shown in FIG.

8 is a table showing an example of numerical data of each probability lottery table at the time of the three-betting game shown in FIG. 7;

9 is a first main flowchart showing an outline of a game processing operation by a control unit shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a second main flowchart performed subsequent to the first main flowchart shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a third main flowchart performed subsequently to the second main flowchart shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing BB and RB in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11;
It is a 1st flowchart which shows the detail of a game number check process.

13 is a second flowchart that is performed subsequently to the first flowchart of the BB and RB game number check processing illustrated in FIG. 12.

14 is a flowchart showing an outline of a BB game game end condition approach notification process by a control unit shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of a RB remaining number check process in the BB game end condition approach notification process shown in FIG. 14;

16 is a flowchart showing details of a BB normal game number check process in the BB game end condition approach notification process shown in FIG. 14;

17 is a flowchart showing details of a BB game acquired number check process in the BB game end condition approach notification process shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a diagram listing comments displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device in each of the check processes in FIGS. 15 to 17;

19 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of comments shown in FIG. 18 are displayed in parallel on the screen of the liquid crystal display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine 2,3,4 ... Reel 5,6,7 ... Display window 8 ... Medal slot 9-12 ... Chance LED 13-15 ... Game operation display lamp 16 ... Stored number display part 17 ... Start lamp 18 ... Bonus count display section 19 WIN lamp 20 Dividend number display section 21 Insert lamp 22 Liquid crystal display device 23 Cross key 24 A button 25 B button 26-28 Stored medal input switch 29 Stored medal settlement switch 30 ... Start lever 31,32,33 ... Stop button 34 ... Medal tray 35 ... Medal payout exit

Claims (10)

[Claims] A variable display section for variably displaying a plurality of symbols; a prize mode determining means for determining an internal prize mode by random number drawing; and a symbol corresponding to a special game prize mode being stopped and displayed on the variable display section. And a game processing control unit that executes a special game advantageous to the player and ends the special game when any one of a plurality of end conditions is satisfied. A gaming machine, comprising: a notifying unit for notifying a player of the approach when at least one of the end conditions is satisfied. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit also notifies the type of the end condition that is likely to be satisfied. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies a plurality of times that the end condition is gradually satisfied. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit changes a notification mode according to the degree of the approach. 5. The notifying means comprises a display means for visually displaying and notifying that the end condition is about to be satisfied, or a sound generating means for notifying by a sound that the end condition is about to be satisfied. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. The special game includes a plurality of sets of a special game during a special game for generating a prize mode of various payouts and a high payout game generated at the time of the general game during the special game and provided with a high payout. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: 7. The special game is a big bonus game comprising a plurality of sets of a regular bonus game in which a small hit prize mode is generated with a high probability during a special game and a high payout is provided. Claim 6
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 8. The end condition is that the number of general games that can be played during the special game exceeds a specified maximum number, or that the high payout game during the special game has exhausted a specified number of games, or 8. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the game is established when the total acquired number during the special game exceeds a specified maximum acquired number. 9. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine. 10. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is a ball game machine.