JP2005066006A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with a meaningful gaming property without giving disadvantage to a player. <P>SOLUTION: The player is informed that a bonus is internally won by displaying the information in a liquid display device 5 of the game machine 1, and also informed of a small hand other than the internally won bonus by displaying the small hand in the liquid crystal display device 5 at a prescribed probability whether the game state is a regular game state in which the bonus is not internally won or an internally won bonus state in which the bonus is internally won by each unit game. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachislot machine including game result display means for displaying a game result and control means such as a microcomputer for controlling the display, and other game machines.

  Currently, the mainstream model has a plurality of types of winning modes. In particular, when a winning combination is won, the game state is better in condition than the normal state for a predetermined period of time, without finishing paying out a single medal. As such a role, a role that can play a game that gives a relatively large profit to a player a predetermined number of times (referred to as a big bonus, hereinafter referred to as BB) and a game that gives a relatively small profit to the player There is a combination that can be performed a predetermined number of times (referred to as regular bonus, hereinafter referred to as RB). Hereinafter, BB and RB are collectively referred to as a bonus.

  Also, in the current mainstream models, in order to win a combination in which a combination of predetermined symbols is arranged along the activated pay line of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and medals, coins, etc. are paid out, The symbol 3D, 3C, 3R is activated by a symbol combination indicating that the winning combination of the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as the internal winning combination) is won by the internal winning of the winning combination by a typical lottery process (hereinafter referred to as a lottery) The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the player can stop at the winning line. That is, no matter how much the internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, it is not possible to win the internal winning combination. That is, gaming machines that require a technique for performing a stop operation in a timely manner (having a high specific gravity of technical intervention called “to push”) are currently mainstream.

  However, if the configuration is such that no winning is made unless the “winning” is always performed for all the internal winning roles, the number of medals earned will be greatly different due to the difference in the skills of the players, and beginners will suffer a significant disadvantage. End up. Therefore, the current mainstream model is configured to memorize the bonus as an internal winning combination until the prize is won (the gaming state of the gaming machine at this time is hereinafter referred to as a bonus internal winning state). .

During the period when the bonus is not internally won (the state of the gaming machine at this time is hereinafter referred to as the general gaming state), a gaming machine that informs the player of the role won internally is known. Then, a gaming machine is provided that informs the player that the bonus has been internally won in a predetermined display mode on a display device provided in the gaming machine until the bonus is won (for example, Patent Documents). 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-253738

  However, if the bonus is internally won as in the conventional gaming machine, only the bonus is internally informed and the internal winning of other roles is not informed. Stop reels to align. For example, even if the bonus internal winning state is set, if a combination other than the bonus is won internally, the bonus symbol is not stopped (win) regardless of the reel stop operation by the player. For this reason, the player does not know which role is won internally, and the bonus symbol is not stopped even if the reel stop operation is performed to stop displaying the bonus symbol, so the game medium is wasted. You may feel frustrated with the game.

  The object of the present invention is not only a means for notifying that a bonus has been won internally, but regardless of the gaming state (whether in the general gaming state or the bonus internal winning state), the winning combination for each unit game ( By providing means for notifying bonuses other than bonuses, it is possible to stop and display the symbol of the notified role by the player performing an appropriate stop operation, and a game with meaningful gameplay Is to provide a machine.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) Fluctuation display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R described later) and an internal winning combination (for example, FIG. 10 described later) for each unit game (for example, one game). In step S15, internal winning combination determining means (for example, described later) for determining a random determination lottery process performed by referring to the probability lottery table of FIG. 5 stored in the ROM 32 of FIG. Means for performing step S15 in FIG. 10, a main control circuit 71 in FIG. 8 to be described later, and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means and the player's stop operation mode (for example, the player's skill) Stop control means (for example, means for performing step S22 in FIG. 10 to be described later), which will be described later. 8 and a notification means (for example, a sub-control circuit 72 and a liquid crystal display device 5 in FIG. 8 to be described later) for notifying the internal winning combination, The notification means may have a predetermined probability (for example, a probability of 100%) for each internal game of the internal winning combination when a specific internal winning combination (for example, BB or RB) is internally winning. And the probability of winning based on a lottery process).

  According to the invention of (1), when the bonus is won internally, the internal winning combination is notified with a predetermined probability, so that the player recognizes which small combination is won internally during the bonus internal winning. It becomes possible to do. Therefore, in the bonus internal winning state, it is avoided that the bonus is not won even if the player “pushes” the bonus symbol to stop, so that the player does not feel frustrated or bothered by the game. Further, at this time, since the notified small role symbol can be won, the small role is not missed, and the player can play the game meaningfully and advantageously.

  (2) The notification means has different probabilities of notifying a small role according to a gaming state (for example, a general gaming state described later, a bonus internal winning state, etc.) (for example, in a bonus internal winning state than in a general gaming state). The gaming machine according to (1), characterized in that a certain person is set to have a high probability of notifying a small combination).

  According to the invention of (2), it is possible to surely increase the game media before winning the bonus by making the informing probability of the small role in the bonus internal winning state higher than in the general gaming state. , Can enhance the interest of the game.

  (3) The notification means is provided separately from the variation display means (for example, the notification means is different from the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and is the liquid crystal display device 5 of FIG. 8 described later). The gaming machine according to (1) or (2).

  According to the invention of (3), since the internal winning combination is notified by a device different from the variable display means such as a reel, for example, a liquid crystal display device or a full liquid crystal display device, it becomes easy for the player to identify the content of the notification. For this reason, the player can enjoy the high gameability and fun of the gaming machine without requiring a special skill or knowledge.

  According to the present invention, the player is less likely to miss the small role when the bonus is in the internal winning state (the small character cannot be displayed in a stopped state even though the small role is won internally) The game in the bonus internal winning state can be performed meaningfully. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the player suffering a disadvantage in the bonus internal winning state, and it is possible to enhance and maintain the player's interest.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Appearance of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called pachislot machine. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a card that stores information on game value given to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, game balls, tokens, and the like. However, in the following description, medals are used.

  A panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1, and vertically long display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided at the center thereof. The display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as winning lines, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in the diagonal direction. These winning lines are respectively operated by operating a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal slot 22, respectively. The book is activated. Which winning line is activated is displayed by turning on BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c, which will be described later.

  Inside the cabinet 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R each having a symbol row constituted by a plurality of types of symbols on each outer peripheral surface are rotatably provided in a horizontal row to form a variable display means. doing. The design of each reel can be observed through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Each reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm).

  On the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, and an information display unit 18 are provided. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as BET number). Here, in the embodiment, one game ends when all reels are stopped. The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the BET number is “1” and one winning line is activated. The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the BET number is “2” and three pay lines are activated. The maximum BET lamp 9c is turned on when the number of BETs is “3” and all (5) winning lines are activated. The information display unit 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of medals stored (credited), the number of medals paid out when a winning is established, the number of games in the BB general gaming state described later, and the like.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. On the display screen 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5, for example, a screen as shown in FIGS. 4 (1) to (3) (hereinafter also referred to as a notification screen) and information related to a game are displayed. .

  In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 5 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, a 7-segment, a dot matrix, an LED (Light Any device capable of displaying image information, such as Emitting Diode (EL) and EL (Electronic Luminescence), may be used. Moreover, you may be comprised from several display apparatuses. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the player can display the display screen. As long as the content can be recognized, the game machine 1 may be located anywhere.

  A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, and a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5. The 1-BET switch 11 bets one of the credited medals on the game by a single pressing operation, and the 2-BET switch 12 displays the credited medals by a single pressing operation. Two of them are bet on the game, and the maximum BET switch 13 bets the maximum number of medals that can be bet on one game. By operating these BET switches, a predetermined pay line is activated as described above.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid-out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 16. On the right side of the C / P switch 14, the reel is rotated by the player's operation, and the start lever 6 for starting the display of the variation of the symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is rotated within a predetermined angle range. It is attached movably. Three stop buttons (stop operation means) 7L, 7C for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5, respectively. 7R is provided. Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16.

[Reel design]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “01” to “21”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (see FIG. 8) described later as a data table. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "blue 7" (design 91), "red 7" (design 92), "BAR" (design 93), "bell" (design 94), "watermelon" (design) 95), “Cherry” (symbol 96), and “Replay” (symbol 97). Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. In the embodiment, each of “bell” (symbol 94), “watermelon” (symbol 95), and “cherry” (symbol 96) is stopped along with the activated pay line, and the winning combination is “small role”. "

[Combinations of roles, symbols, and game media]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a combination and a payout number corresponding to a winning symbol combination in each gaming state.

  The gaming state of the embodiment includes “general gaming state”, “BB internal winning state”, “RB internal winning state”, “BB general gaming state”, and “RB gaming state”. These “five types” of game states are basically distinguished by the types of winning combinations that may be won internally and the types of bonuses that can be achieved. The characteristics of each gaming state, that is, the type of winning combination in each gaming state, its probability, and the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in each gaming state (such as the types of winning combinations that may win) This will be described with reference to FIGS. The BB internal winning state and the RB internal winning state are collectively referred to as “bonus internal winning state” hereinafter.

  The transition between game states is triggered by internal winning of bonuses, winning of bonuses, the end of bonus games, and the like. That is, when the bonus is won internally, the game state shifts from the general gaming state to the bonus internal winning state, and when the bonus is won, the bonus internal winning state shifts to the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state. In the BB internal winning state and the RB internal winning state, the player can realize winning of BB or RB by performing a so-called “push”. That is, in the BB internal winning state and the RB internal winning state, whether or not the bonus is won or not is changed based on the operation mode (operation timing) of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, and the bonus winning is established by the reel stop control mode. The so-called “kicking control” that does not hold is not performed.

  Here, the BB game state, which is generated when the BB winning is established, and is configured by the BB general game state and the RB game state is collectively referred to as “BB game state”. The BB internal winning state and the RB internal winning state are states in which a bonus is internally won, and these are collectively referred to as “bonus internal winning state” hereinafter. In this “bonus internal winning state”, since the “WIN confirmation screen” is displayed on the display screen 5a described above, the player can know that the bonus has been internally won.

  As shown in FIG. 3, BB winning is established by arranging “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” or “red 7-red 7-red 7” along the active line in the BB internal winning state. After the BB winning is established, the gaming state becomes the BB general gaming state.

  The RB winning is established by arranging “BAR-BAR-BAR” along the active line in the RB internal winning state or arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” in the BB general gaming state. The establishment of RB winning in the BB general gaming state is generally referred to as “JAC IN”. After the RB winning is established, the gaming state becomes the RB gaming state.

  Replay winning is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” in the general gaming state and the internal winning state. In the general gaming state, the internal winning state, and the BB general gaming state, it is possible to realize winnings of “cherry small part”, “bell small part” and “watermelon small part”, and the number of payouts is It is as shown in the figure.

  The winning of the JAC small role is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” in the RB gaming state. When the number of winning winnings of the bonus becomes “8”, the gaming state changes. Here, a game in the RB gaming state in which a winning of a JAC small role may be established is generally referred to as a “JAC game”.

[Display example of liquid crystal display device]
With reference to FIG. 4, an example of a small winning or replay internal winning notification and a display of a WIN confirmation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 will be described.

  FIG. 4 (1) is an example of a small role or replay notification screen in the general gaming state. In the figure, the player is informed that the bell has been won internally, so the player can try to win the bell.

  FIG. 4B is an example of a WIN confirmation screen in the bonus internal winning state. In the figure, it is notified that the bonus has been won internally, and the player can try to win the bonus.

  FIG. 4 (3) is an example of a display screen when a small combination or replay is won internally in the bonus internal winning state. In the figure, the WIN confirmation screen is displayed to notify that the bonus has been won internally, but the bell has also been informed that the bonus has been won. Yes, the player is informed that the bell can be won, so the player can try to win the bell.

[Probability lottery table]
Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a probability lottery table used when determining the internal winning combination in the general gaming state or the internal winning state when the BET number is “3” is shown.

  In the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 5, the internal winning combination is determined to be BB when the random value extracted from the range of “0” to “16383” is a value within the range of “0” to “40”. When the random value is in the range of “41” to “81”, the internal winning combination is determined to be RB. The probability that BB is determined as an internal winning combination is “about 1/400”. The probability that RB is determined as an internal winning combination is “about 1/400”. Further, as to the role other than BB or RB, the internal winning combination is determined to be replay when the random value is a value within the range of “82” to “2326”. Further, when the random value is a value within the range of “2327” to “3964”, the internal winning combination is determined to be “Bell Minor”. Furthermore, when the random value is a value within the range of “3965” to “4220”, the internal winning combination is determined as “small combination of watermelon”. Furthermore, when the random value is a value within the range of “4221” to “4302”, the internal winning combination is determined as “cherry small combination”.

[Stop table group selection table]
With reference to FIG. 6, an example of the relationship between the gaming state, the internal winning combination, and the selected stop table group will be described. A stop table group stored in a ROM 32 (see FIG. 8) described later is a set of stop tables. In the stop table, a “stop operation position” and a “stop control position” are shown for each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The “stop operation position” is the symbol (specifically, the symbol) that was located on the bottom line 8d when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R were operated. The code number of the symbol is located above the bottom line 8d and the center is closest to the position of the bottom line 8d. The “stop control position” represents a code number of a symbol that is stopped and displayed at the position of the bottom line 8d when the reel on which the stop operation is performed is stopped. In the embodiment, the so-called “sliding frame number” is set to a maximum of “4 frames”.

  Here, the contents of the selected stop table group can basically change according to the gaming state, the internal winning combination, etc., but in the embodiment, the name of the table group shown in the stop table group column Are determined based on whether or not there is a possibility of winning a prize and the types of roles that have the possibility of winning. For this reason, even if stop table groups having the same name are selected, the stop modes of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R do not always match.

  When a winning / non-winning stop table group is selected, no winning of any combination is established regardless of the internal winning combination or the gaming state. When the winning table for which winning can be established is selected, the winning combination of the corresponding combination is possible, but it is basically impossible to realize the winning combination of other combinations. For example, when the “bell winning establishment possible stop table group” is selected, winning establishment of “bell small role” can be realized, but winning establishment of other combinations such as BB cannot be realized. In addition, when the “replay winning establishment possible stop table group” is selected, “replay” winning establishment can be realized, but other winning combinations cannot be realized.

  Similarly, in the BB general game state and the RB game state, the illustrated stop table group is selected, and stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed.

[Symbol and stop table]
The relationship between the symbol sequence and the stop table will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7A is an example of a “no winning winning stop table” used when the symbol sequence shown in FIG. 2 is adopted. The symbol row in FIG. 2 is a symbol row represented on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R of the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention.

  When the symbol sequence shown in FIG. 2 is adopted, the “stop control position” of the left reel 3L is the code numbers “00”, “04”, “09” in the “non-winning stop table” of FIG. "," 12 "or" 17 ". The symbol placed on one of the symbols corresponding to these code numbers is “replay”.

  The “stop control position” of the central reel 3C is any one of the code numbers “02”, “07”, “11”, “16”, or “19”. The symbol placed on one of the symbols corresponding to these code numbers is “replay”.

  Further, the “stop control position” of the right reel 3R is one of the code numbers “02”, “05”, “10”, “14”, or “18”. The symbol arranged on one of the symbols corresponding to these code numbers is different from “Replay”.

  As described above, when the symbol sequence shown in FIG. 2 is adopted, if the stop control of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed by the “no-winning stop table” shown in FIG. No winning combination is won along the winning lines 8a to 8d.

  On the other hand, in the case of the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention adopting the symbol sequence shown in FIG. 2, in the “replay winning establishment possible stop table” of FIG. 7 (2), the “stop control position” of the left reel 3L is the code The numbers are “00”, “04”, “09”, “12” or “17”. The symbol placed on one of the symbols corresponding to these code numbers is “replay”.

  The “stop control position” of the central reel 3C is any one of the code numbers “02”, “07”, “11”, “16”, or “19”. The symbol placed on one of the symbols corresponding to these code numbers is “replay”.

  Furthermore, the “stop control position” of the right reel 3R is one of the code numbers “03”, “06”, “11”, “15”, or “19”. The symbol placed on one of the symbols corresponding to these code numbers is “replay”.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention adopting the symbol sequence shown in FIG. 2, the stop control of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is performed by the “replay winning establishment possible stop table” shown in FIG. When performed, “replay-replay-replay” is arranged along the top line 8b, and the replay is always established.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 8 is based on a main control circuit 71 for controlling game processing operations in the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (actuators) electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and control commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display device 5 and a sub-control circuit 72 that controls the speakers 21L and 21R is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are storage means.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generator 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 has a probability lottery table used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and a reel stop mode according to the operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. A stop table group for determination, various control commands (commands) for transmission to the sub control circuit 72, and the like are stored. These commands include “demo display command”, “all reel stop command”, “notification command”, and the like. These commands will be described later. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Various information is stored in the RAM 33. For example, a hit request flag, BB stock number information, RB stock number information, and the like are stored.

  In the circuit of FIG. 8, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c), and an information display section. 18, a hopper 40 (including a payout drive unit) as a game value giving means for storing medals and paying out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41, and rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R There are stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R to be driven.

  Further, a motor driving circuit 39 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a hopper driving circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper 40, and a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c) are provided. A lamp driving circuit 45 that controls driving and a display unit driving circuit 48 that controls driving of various display units are connected to the output unit of the CPU 31. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, There are a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 22S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 8, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. An internal winning combination is determined based on the random number sampled in this way and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained every rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 33 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  A symbol table is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as described above with symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, a code number that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated, and a corresponding code number are provided. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Furthermore, a winning symbol combination table is stored in the ROM 32. In this winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning medal payout number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The above winning symbol combination table is referred to when the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are controlled to stop and when a winning confirmation is made after all reels are stopped.

  When an internal winning is made by the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 31 sends an operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 46 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, and Based on the selected “stop table”, a signal for controlling the stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39.

  If it becomes a stop mode indicating the winning of the winning combination in the internal, the CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 40. At that time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 31. As a result, the CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41 and ends the “medal payout process”.

[Operation of main control circuit of gaming machine]
Next, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (step S1). Specifically, initialization of recorded contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Subsequently, the predetermined recorded contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (step S2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program of the next game is specified, etc. I do.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not “30 seconds” have elapsed since the end of the previous game, that is, after all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stopped (step S3). If this determination is “YES”, a “demo display command” requesting display of “demo image” is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 (step S4). If the determination is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic medal insertion, that is, whether or not a replay has been won in the previous game. If this determination is “YES”, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step S6), and the process proceeds to step S8. When the determination in step S5 is “NO”, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the medal sensor 22S or the BET switches 11 to 13 (step S7). If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S8, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S <b> 8, the CPU 31 transmits a “BET command” indicating that the operation of the BET switches 11 to 13 or the operation of inserting medals has been performed to the sub control circuit 72. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S based on the operation of the start lever 6 (step S9). If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S10, and if “NO”, step S9 is repeated.

  In step S10, the CPU 31 determines whether or not “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the previous game started. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S12, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, a “game start waiting time digestion process” is performed. Specifically, a process of invalidating an input based on an operation for starting the game of the player is performed until “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the start of the previous game. In step S12, a reel rotation process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the CPU 31 extracts a random number for lottery (step S13) and sets a timer for monitoring one game (step S14). The random numbers extracted in the process of step S13 are used in the probability lottery process described later. The one-game monitoring timer in the process of step S14 includes an automatic stop timer for automatically stopping the reel regardless of the stop operation of the stop button of the player.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a probability lottery process (step S15). This probability lottery process (internal lottery process) uses a probability lottery table (see FIG. 5) recorded in the ROM 32 according to the gaming state. Then, it is determined to which random number range the random value extracted in step S13 belongs, and an internal winning combination (establishment flag) is determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines a stop table group by lottery based on the gaming state, winning combination, etc. (step S16), and proceeds to step S17. In step S17, notification screen display determination processing is performed. In this process, based on the gaming state and the internal winning combination, it is determined with a predetermined probability whether or not to display the WIN confirmation screen, the small winning combination or the internal winning of replay on the notification screen. When the CPU 31 (see FIG. 8) decides to display the WIN confirmation screen, the CPU 31 (see FIG. 8) sets the WIN confirmation screen display flag arranged in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 8) to “on” (sets “1”), and plays the small role or replay. Is determined to be displayed on the notification screen, the internal winning combination notification display flag arranged in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 8) is set to “ON” (“1” is set). Details of this process will be described in details of a notification screen display determination process described later. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S18.

  In step S18, the game start command including the game state, the internal winning combination, and information on the display content of the notification screen determined in step S17 (such as information on the WIN confirmation screen display flag and the internal winning combination notification display flag) is sub-controlled. Transmit to circuit 72. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S19.

  In step S19, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop button has been “on”. Specifically, it is determined whether any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R has been operated. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S21, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, it is determined whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S21, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S21, the CPU 31 performs a sliding frame number determination process. Specifically, a stop table is selected from the determined (selected) stop table group, and the number of sliding symbols is determined based on the selected stop table, stop operation position, and stop control position. Subsequently, the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed is rotated by the number of sliding frames, and then stopped (step S22). Subsequently, a “reel stop command” including information on the reel that is the target of stop control (reel corresponding to the operated stop button) is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S24.

  The sub-control circuit 72 that has received the reel stop command deletes the notification display when the liquid crystal display device 5 (see FIG. 8) notifies that the internal winning combination is a small role or replay. Process.

  In step S24, it is determined whether all reels have stopped. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG. 11, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S25 of FIG. 11, the CPU 31 performs a winning search. The winning search is to set a winning flag for identifying a winning combination (winning winning combination) based on the pattern stop mode of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Specifically, a winning combination is identified based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and a winning determination table. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step S26). If this determination is “NO”, an illegal error is displayed (step S27). In this case, the game is canceled. If the determination in step S26 is "YES", a medal credit or payout is performed according to the gaming state (step S28). Subsequently, a winning combination command including information on the winning combination (winning winning combination) is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 (step S29).

  The sub-control circuit 72 that has received the winning combination command has the information of the WIN confirmation screen display flag set to “ON” (the WIN confirmation screen is displayed in the information on the display content of the notification screen received from the main control circuit 71 in step S18). If the winning combination is not a bonus, a WIN confirmation screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the current gaming state is “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (step S30). When this determination is “NO” (when the gaming state is not “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state”), the process proceeds to step S34, and when “YES”, the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, a bonus “game number check process” is performed. In this “game number check process”, the number of times that the “RB gaming state” has occurred, the number of games in the “BB general gaming state”, the number of winnings in the “RB gaming state”, and the number of games in the “RB gaming state” are checked. At the same time, the game state is shifted (set) between the “BB general game state” and the “RB game state”.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the bonus is over (step S32). Specifically, after the BB wins, the number of wins is 8 or the number of games is 12 in the third “RB gaming state”, or the number of games is 30 in the “BB general gaming state”. It is determined whether or not there is. In addition, after “RB-BAR-BAR” is arranged along the active line in the “general gaming state”, the number of winnings is 8 times or the number of games is 12 times in the “RB gaming state”. It is determined whether or not. If the determination in step S32 is “YES”, the RAM 33 at the end of the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state (bonus gaming state) is cleared (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. If the determination in step S32 is “NO”, the process moves to step S2 in FIG.

  If the determination in step S30 is “NO”, a BB / RB winning check process is performed (step S34). In this process, it is determined whether or not BB or RB winning has been established, and the bonus flag corresponding to the bonus for which winning has been established is set to “off”. After this processing, the process proceeds to step S35 in FIG.

  In step S35, the bonus flag set in step S34 is determined, and when it is determined to be “ON” (BB or RB winning) (when determination in step S35 is “YES”), the process proceeds to step S36. When it is determined “OFF” (when the determination in step S35 is “NO”), the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  In step S36, since “ON” is set to the WIN confirmation screen display flag in the notification screen display determination processing in step S17 of FIG. 9, processing for clearing this flag is performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 sets “0” to a variable for storing a WIN confirmation screen display flag arranged in the RAM 33 (both refer to FIG. 8). When this process ends, the process moves to a step S37.

  In step S37, processing for transmitting a command for deleting the WIN confirmation screen display is performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 (see FIG. 8) transmits a command for deleting the WIN confirmation screen display to the sub control circuit 72 (see FIG. 8). The sub-control circuit 72 that has received this command performs a process of deleting the display when the WIN confirmation screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (see FIG. 8). When this process ends, the process moves to step S2 in FIG.

[Notification screen display decision processing]
The details of the notification screen display determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S41, it is determined whether the WIN confirmation screen is being displayed. Specifically, the CPU 31 (see FIG. 8) refers to the variable storing the WIN confirmation screen display flag arranged in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 8), and determines that the value is “1” (“on”). When (when the determination at step S41 is “YES”), the process proceeds to step S46, and when it is determined as “0” (“off”) (when the determination at step S41 is “NO”), the process proceeds to step S42. Move processing.

  In step S42, it is determined whether the bonus internal winning is made. It is determined whether or not the internal winning combination determined in step S15 of FIG. 9 is a bonus. If the determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S43. If the determination is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S46. Transfer.

  In step S43, a WIN confirmation screen display lottery process is performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 (see FIG. 8) determines whether or not to display the WIN confirmation screen by performing a lottery process for winning with a predetermined probability (a predetermined probability greater than 0% and less than 100%). To decide. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S44.

  In the present embodiment, the processing configuration in which step S43 is performed is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a processing configuration in which the WIN determination screen display lottery processing is not performed may be employed. In this case, when the determination in step S42 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S45 without executing step S44 described later, and the WIN confirmation screen is displayed with a probability of 100%.

  In step S44, it is determined whether or not the win determination screen display lottery process is won. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S45, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S45, WIN confirmation screen display determination processing is performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 (see FIG. 8) sets “1” to the variable storing the WIN confirmation screen display flag arranged in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 8) (set the WIN confirmation screen display flag to “ON”). Process). When this process ends, the process moves to a step S46.

  In step S46, it is determined whether the internal winning combination is a small combination or replay. It is determined whether the internal winning combination determined in step S15 in FIG. 9 is a small combination or replay. If the determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S47. If the determination is “NO”, this subroutine is performed. Is completed, and the process proceeds to step S18 in FIG.

  In step S47, an internal winning combination notification lottery process is performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 (see FIG. 8) determines the gaming state of the gaming machine, and wins with a predetermined probability (a predetermined probability greater than 0% and less than 100%) according to the determined gaming state. By performing the lottery process to be performed, it is determined whether or not to notify the internal winning combination of the small combination or replay. That is, it is configured such that the player who is in the bonus internal winning state than the general gaming state has a higher probability of winning the internal winning combination notification lottery process and notifying the internal winning combination. By configuring in this way, the player can know that the internal winning combination is won for the bonus even when the frequency of notifying the internal winning combination is increased, so that the interest can be increased. In addition, since the probability of preventing an internal winning winning combination or replay from being missed in the bonus internal winning state can be increased, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing a disadvantage to the player. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S48.

  In this embodiment, the processing configuration for performing step S47 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing configuration for not performing the internal winning combination notification lottery processing may be used. In this case, when the determination in step S46 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S49 without executing step S48 described later, so that the internal winning combination is notified with a probability of 100%.

  In step S48, it is determined whether or not the internal winning combination notification lottery process is won. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S49, and when it is “NO”, this subroutine ends, and the process proceeds to step S18 in FIG.

  In step S49, an internal winning combination notification determination process is performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 (see FIG. 8) sets “1” to the variable storing the internal winning combination notification display flag arranged in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 8) (the internal winning combination notification display flag is set to “ON”). ”). When this process ends, this subroutine ends, and the process proceeds to step S18 in FIG.

[Modified display example of liquid crystal display device]
FIG. 14 shows a modification of the display screen when the WIN confirmation screen is displayed when the BET number is 3.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine is in the bonus internal winning state, the player may be able to reliably win a bonus symbol (BB or RB) along a specific winning line by performing “to push”. Therefore, there are cases where it is not necessary for all pay lines 8a to 8d to be activated by betting three game media by the player (the number of BETs is 3). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14, in the WIN confirmation screen when the gaming state of the gaming machine is the bonus internal winning state, the player is notified on the display screen 5a that “It is better to leave one”. May be able to prevent wasteful consumption of game media.

[Other variations]
In the present embodiment, the internal winning combination is notified when the internal winning combination is given to the small part (bell small part, watermelon small part, cherry small part) or replay, but the present invention is not limited to this. Is not to be done. In other words, when the internal winning combination is a replay, the internal winning combination may not be notified, and only the small combination may be notified. This is because, when a replay is won internally, regardless of the mode of the player's stop operation, in a gaming machine that is always configured to win a replay, the player may suffer a disadvantage without notifying the replay. Because there is no.

  In this embodiment, when the internal winning of the bonus is won by a lottery process for winning with a predetermined probability, the WIN confirmation screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. Is not to be done. For example, in a game in which BB is won internally, the winning line activated when the player performs a stop operation on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and stops two of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. It is assumed that a symbol that can become an RB winning mode stops along any of 8a to 8d. In this case, when the player presses the stop button (7L, 7C, 7R) to stop the third reel and releases the stop button, the WIN confirmation screen is always displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. May be displayed. Or you may display on the liquid crystal display device 5 the screen which alert | reports BB having won internally. By doing so, the player can know the internal winning of the BB by the stop operation based on his skill, so that he can feel a sense of achievement that he has learned the internal winning of the BB with his technique, There are cases where you can feel an interest in gaming. Also, in a game in which RB is won internally, when the player performs a stop operation on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to stop two of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the winning line activated The same applies to the case where a symbol that can become a BB winning mode stops along any of 8a to 8d.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an appearance when the gaming machine 1 is configured to include the WIN lamp 99. In this way, the gaming machine 1 may be configured to include the WIN lamp 99. In this case, instead of the display “WIN” shown in FIG. 4 (2), FIG. 4 (3), and FIG. The WIN lamp 99 may be turned on. Alternatively, the display of “WIN” shown in FIGS. 4 (2), 4 (3), and 14 may be performed, and at the same time, the WIN lamp 99 may be turned on.

  In this embodiment, symbols are variably displayed due to reel rotation or liquid crystal display variation on the condition that game media is inserted, etc., and a specific symbol is aligned on the activated winning line to give a player a predetermined profit. Any game machine can be applied as long as it is given. In addition, even in so-called pachislot machines, a period in which the player's game media can be reduced or not increased by notifying the player of the pressing order of the stop button based on the fact that a predetermined condition has been established is provided. A bonus (the so-called AT machine) and a period in which a bonus cannot be won even if the bonus is won internally, are stored cumulatively during that period, and the bonus is internally triggered when certain conditions are met If you cancel the period in which you can't win even if you win, you will be able to win the bonus that you've cumulatively won for the internal bonus (so-called stock machine) or any other type Even in such a case, the present invention can be applied to any gaming machine having a combination (for example, a bonus) that gives a player a relatively large profit such as a bonus.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, it has only illustrated the specific example and does not specifically limit this invention. That is, the present invention provides a variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, an internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination for each unit game, and an internal winning combination and game determined by the internal winning combination determining means. And a notifying means for notifying the internal winning combination, wherein the notifying means includes: a stop control means for stopping and controlling the fluctuation display operation of the fluctuation display means based on a stop operation mode of the person; The game machine is characterized in that, when a specific internal winning combination is an internal winning combination, the internal winning combination is notified for each unit game with a predetermined probability. The specific configuration of each means such as the means, the stop control means, and the notification means can be appropriately changed in design.

  It should be noted that the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the gaming machine 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the pattern arranged on the reel. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between a combination, a symbol combination, and the payout number of game media. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of a liquid crystal display device. It is a figure which shows an example of a probability lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between a game state, the winning combination for a stop, and a stop table group. It is a figure which shows an example of the stop table contained in a stop table group. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the electrical constitution of the main control circuit of this embodiment. It is a main flowchart of the main control circuit. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart of a notification screen display determination process. It is a figure which shows the modification display example of a liquid crystal display device. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the modification of the gaming machine 1 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 5 Liquid crystal display device 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 99 WIN lamp

Claims (3)

A variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols;
An internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination for each unit game;
Stop control means for stopping and controlling the variation display operation of the variation display means based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determination means and the stop operation mode of the player;
A notifying means for notifying the internal winning combination, and a gaming machine,
The informing means notifies the internal winning combination with a predetermined probability for each unit game when a specific internal winning combination is won internally.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification means has different probabilities of notifying a small combination according to a gaming state.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is provided separately from the variation display unit.

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