JP2007252572A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the degree of freedom of the design of a case body, to miniaturize the case body, to give a new game property and to improve a savor of a game by enlarging and displaying images for which reels are photographed and presenting them to a player. <P>SOLUTION: The three reels are housed inside the case body, and by photographing the respective reels by respective CCD image sensors 503L, 503C and 503R and displaying them at a liquid crystal display device 321, the player can view the reels. They are made larger than the actual reels and displayed at the liquid crystal display device 321 (standard display). Enlarging switches 502L, 502C and 502R correspond to the three reels respectively, and when one of the enlarging switches 502L, 502C and 502R is pressed, the corresponding reel is made larger than the standard display further and displayed at the liquid crystal display device 321 (enlarged display). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the respective circumferential surfaces, and a plurality of reels corresponding to each of the reels, a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each reel. Requests to start reel rotation based on player's operation (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”) on condition that a display window for displaying the symbol so that the player can see and a medal is inserted A start switch that outputs a signal to perform, a stop switch that outputs a signal requesting the stop of rotation of the reel according to the type of the reel, based on an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”), and these start 2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine (so-called pachislot machine) including a control unit that controls the operation of a motor based on signals output from a switch and a stop switch, and rotates and stops each reel is known. There. In such a pachi-slot, it is determined whether or not a winning is made based on a combination of symbols displayed by the plurality of display windows, and medals are paid out when it is determined that a winning is achieved.

  Currently, the mainstream pachislot machine performs an internal lottery when it detects a start operation by a player, and stops the reel rotation based on the result of the lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player. For example, when the result related to winning is determined by the internal lottery described above (hereinafter, the result of the internal lottery is referred to as “internal winning combination”), the player performs a stop operation so that the winning is established. Even after the operation is performed, the rotation of the reel continues within a predetermined period (for example, 190 ms), and then stops. Further, if the internal winning combination relating to winning is not determined, the rotation of the reel is stopped so that winning is not established. In other words, in such a game machine, a stop operation (so-called “eye push”) at an appropriate timing is required in many situations, and what combination of symbols is displayed on the display window when the rotation of the reel is stopped. Is related to the timing of the stop operation, that is, the skill of the player.

In addition, a reel to be rotated and displayed, an image capturing unit that captures the reel and captures it as image data, a control unit that performs an enlargement process of the image data captured by the image capturing unit, and an enlarged image that is enlarged by the control unit There has been proposed a gaming machine that is provided with an image display means for displaying data, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the housing of the gaming machine and further reducing the size of the housing (Patent Literature). 1).
JP 2005-124993 A

  However, the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 can improve the degree of freedom in designing the case and reduce the size of the case by enlarging and displaying the image obtained by photographing the reel to the player. However, there is a difference in that a player plays a game while watching a real reel and lacks interest.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is not only to improve the degree of freedom in designing the case and downsize the case, but also to provide a new game by enlarging and displaying the image of the reel photographed to the player. It is to give sex and enhance the interest of the game.

  The present invention provides a plurality of reels provided in a housing, each having a symbol displayed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, an image pickup device that takes an image of the outer peripheral surface of each reel, and each of the reels that is taken by each photoelectric conversion device. A symbol display means for displaying a symbol, a start operation detecting means for detecting a start operation by the player, a winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination based on detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means, A symbol changing means for starting the rotation of each reel based on detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means to change the symbols; and a stop operation detecting means for detecting a stop operation by the player; Stop control means for controlling the reels to stop based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means and the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means; The reel designation means for the player to specify a desired one of the reels, and when there is no reel designated by the reel designation means, the designation of the reel displayed on the symbol display means is not designated The game machine is characterized by comprising an enlargement display means for enlarging display compared to the above.

  In this case, the reel designating means may be an operation unit provided on the front surface of the housing.

  Further, the operation unit is a button for the player to perform the stop operation by fully pressing the button and for the player to specify a desired one of the reels by pressing the button halfway. It may be.

  According to the present invention, since the reel is photographed and displayed, it becomes possible to display a small reel larger than the actual size, and to improve the degree of freedom in designing the housing of the gaming machine and to reduce the size of the housing. Can do.

  In addition, when a player designates any reel, the reel can be displayed in an enlarged manner as compared with the normal one. Therefore, a new game characteristic that is not available in the past can be given to enhance the interest of the game.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the gaming machine will be described in detail.

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

  On the front surface of the front door 2 of the gaming machine 1, a panel display unit 2a, a liquid crystal display unit 2b, and a fixed display unit 2c having substantially vertical surfaces are provided.

  The liquid crystal display unit 2b is provided with a transmissive liquid crystal display device 321 (see FIG. 4) serving as a display device. The upper part of the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2b is a reel image display area 501 in which images of three reels 3L, 3C, 3R (see FIG. 2) described later are displayed.

  A substantially horizontal plane pedestal 4 is provided below the panel display 2a, the liquid crystal display 2b, and the fixed display 2c. On the right side and the center of the pedestal portion 4, there are provided medal slot 10 for inserting medals. The inserted medals are credited or bet on the game. Further, on the left side of the pedestal unit 4, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 for betting credited medals by a pressing operation are provided.

  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 (three in this embodiment) that can be bet on one game.

  By operating these BET switches 11 to 13, a display line described later is validated. The operation of the BET switches 11 to 13 and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 10 (the operation of inserting a medal for playing a game) are hereinafter referred to as “BET operation”. An operation unit 31 is provided above the BET switches 11 to 13. The operation unit 31 is operated to display information such as a game history on the liquid crystal display device 321 (see FIG. 4).

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front surface of the pedestal unit 4 to switch the credit / payout of medals obtained 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 15 at the lower front, and the medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 5. Speakers 9 </ b> L and 9 </ b> R for outputting sound effects relating to game effects are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving unit 5.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated by the player's operation to start the symbol variation display in the symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R (FIG. 2). A start lever 6 is attached.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively, are provided on the right side of the start lever 6 at the center of the front surface of the base portion 4. In the present embodiment, one game (unit game) basically starts when the start lever 6 is operated, and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  In this embodiment, the reel stop operation (stop button operation) performed when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating is the first stop operation and the stop performed after the first stop operation. The operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the stop operation performed after the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Further, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS shown in FIG. 4 to be described later are arranged on the back side of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. These stop switches detect the operation (stop operation) of the corresponding stop button.

  Enlargement switches 502L, 502C, and 502R are provided on the front surface of the housing, specifically, below the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R.

[About reel]
In the casing of the gaming machine 1, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, each having a plurality of types of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surface, are rotatably arranged in a horizontal row. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute). The three reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the gaming machine 1 are configured such that a part of the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is directly visible to the player from the outside, like a general pachislot machine. As shown in FIG. 2, it is completely housed in the housing. Therefore, the player cannot directly see the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the planar arrangement of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the casing of the gaming machine 1, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are CCD image sensors 503L, which are image sensors from the same direction, respectively. , 503C, and 503R, and images of the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R taken by the CCD image sensors 503L, 503C, and 503R are symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R of the reel image display area 501 (see FIG. 4), and the player can see images of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R so that the actual reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be visually recognized from the outside of the gaming machine 1. Note that the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are illuminated by lamps, or the reels 3L, 3C, 3R emit light by the lamps inside the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and photographing by the CCD image sensors 503L, 503C, 503R. Is easy to do.

[Display section]
Next, the panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b, and the fixed display unit 2c will be described with reference to FIG.

  The panel display unit 2a includes a bonus game information display unit 16, BET lamps 17a to 17c, a payout display unit 18, and a credit display unit 19. The bonus game information display unit 16 includes a 7-segment LED, and displays game information in the bonus. The 1-BET lamp 17a, the 2-BET lamp 17b, and the maximum BET lamp 17c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”).

  The 1-BET lamp 17a lights up when the number of BETs is one. The 2-BET lamp 17b is lit when the BET number is two. The maximum BET lamp 17c is lit when the number of BETs is three. The payout display unit 18 and the credit display unit 19 are each composed of 7-segment LEDs, and display the number of medals paid out and the number of credited medals when winning is achieved.

  The liquid crystal display unit 2 b includes a reel image display area 501 and an effect display area 23. The reel image display area 501 includes symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R. The display content of the liquid crystal display unit 2b varies depending on the rotation and stop modes of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the operation of the liquid crystal display device 321 (see FIG. 4).

  The reel image display area 501 displays images of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R, and displays various effects.

  In the symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d are provided as display lines in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e are provided in an oblique direction. As for these five display lines, when the player depresses the BET switches 11 to 13 or inserts medals into the medal insertion slot 10, the number corresponding to the number of BETs is activated ( "Effective line"). Whether or not the display line is validated is displayed by turning on / off the BET lamps 17a, 17b, and 17c. These display lines 8a to 8e are related to the success or failure of the winning.

  Here, in each of the symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R, three symbol stop positions (upper, middle, and lower) are provided in the vertical direction (vertical direction). When the symbol variation display (moving display) in each symbol display area 504L, 504C, 504R is stopped, the symbol is stopped and displayed at each of the symbol stop positions provided in each symbol display area 504L, 504C, 504R. . Each display line connects a symbol stop position in each symbol display area 504L, 504C, 504R.

  The effect display area 23 is an area other than the reel image display area 501 in the area of the liquid crystal display unit 2b. The fixed display portion 2c is an area where a predetermined figure or picture is drawn. A single still image or moving image may be displayed by connecting a figure or a picture drawn on the fixed display unit 2c with an image displayed in the effect display area 23.

[Reel design row]
FIG. 5 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols displayed on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number of 00-20. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "Red 7 (design 101)", "Blank (design 102)", "Bell (design 103)", "Watermelon (design 104)", "BAR (design 105) "," Replay (symbol 106) ", and" Cherry (symbol 107) "are displayed. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  “Blank” is a symbol that is basically not directly related to the formation of a winning combination. That is, even when blanks are displayed side by side along any one of the active lines, benefits such as payout of medals, automatic insertion of medals, and transition of a gaming state described later are not given to the player.

  In the present embodiment, BB1, BB2, cherry, bell, watermelon, and replay are prepared as combinations. Further, BB (including BB1 and BB2) is an accessory continuous operation device related to the first type special accessory.

  The combination (combination data) is basically control information in which a profit given to a player is associated with a symbol combination, stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, switching (transition) of the game state, It is used for giving game value.

[About gaming state]
In addition, the gaming state of the present embodiment basically includes a “general gaming state” and an “RB gaming state”. The gaming state can be basically distinguished by the type of an internal lottery table described later used for determination after the internal winning. Specifically, the gaming state can be distinguished by the type of a role that may be won internally, the probability of internal winning, and the like.

  The general gaming state includes a “carry-over section” having a carryover combination and a “non-carry-over section” having no carryover combination. In the carryover section, there is no internal winning for the bonus, and in the non-carryover section, the bonus may be won internally. Therefore, the carryover section and the non-carry-over section are basically different gaming states. The carryover combination is a combination that allows the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination to be arranged along the active line for one or a plurality of games (permitted according to the internal winning combination).

  The general gaming state is a gaming state in which an expected value of a so-called “play rate” (a gaming value given to a player with respect to a unit gaming value bet on a game) is smaller than one. The RB gaming state is basically a gaming state constituted by a game in which the “first type special character” is operating. The RB gaming state can be identified by turning on / off the “RB operating flag”. The RB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the gaming state is the RB gaming state. If the RB operating flag is on, it indicates that the player is in the RB gaming state, and if it is off, the player is in the general gaming state.

  The condition for turning on the RB operation flag is that a BB operation flag, which will be described later, is turned on when BB1 or BB2 is established. The condition for turning off the RB operating flag is that the possible number of games is 0, the possible number of winnings is 0, or the BB operating flag is turned off. The “gameable number of times” is the number of unit games that can be played in the RB gaming state. Further, the “number of wins possible” is the number of times that a prize can be won in the RB gaming state.

  The “BB operating flag” is information for identifying whether or not the BB operating flag is an advantageous state generated by establishment of BB. The condition for turning on the BB operating flag is that BB1 or BB2 is established. The condition for turning off the BB operating flag is that the number of medals paid out exceeds the payable number. The “number of payable sheets” is the number of medals that can be paid out in a game (game) from when the BB operating flag is turned on until the BB operating flag is turned off.

  Here, the relationship between the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag from when the BB operating flag is turned on to when it is turned off will be described. When BB1 or BB2 is established, the BB operating flag is turned on. When this BB operating flag is turned on, the RB operating flag is turned on. When the possible number of games is 0 or the possible number of winnings is 0, the RB operating flag is turned off. At this time, if the BB operating flag is on, the RB operating flag is turned on again.

  When the condition that the BB operating flag is turned off is satisfied, the BB operating flag is turned off. When the BB operating flag is turned off, the RB operating flag is also turned off. Therefore, when the BB operating flag is on, the RB operating flag is turned on. That is, after BBI or BB2 is established, the RB gaming state is set until the BB operating flag is turned off.

[Hardware configuration]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of the gaming machine 1. The main control circuit 301 is a circuit that controls a game processing operation in the gaming machine 1. The main control circuit 301 includes a microcomputer 302 arranged on a circuit board as a main component, and a circuit for random number sampling is also provided. .

  The microcomputer 302 performs various calculations and centrally controls each part of the gaming machine 1, a ROM 304 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 303 and various fixed data, and a RAM 305 that serves as a work area for the CPU 303. And are connected.

  The CPU 303 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 306 that generates a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 307 that divides the reference clock pulse, a random number generator 308 that generates a random number, and a sampling circuit 309 that samples the random number. Is connected.

  In addition, as a means for random number sampling, you may comprise so that random number sampling may be performed within the microcomputer 302, ie, on the operation program of CPU303. In that case, the random number generator 308 and the sampling circuit 309 are unnecessary, but may be provided as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  In the ROM 304 of the microcomputer 302, an internal lottery table (FIGS. 10 and 11 to be described later) used for determination of random number sampling performed each time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), reels according to the stop button operation. Fixed data such as a stop table group for determining the stop mode is stored. In addition, various control commands (commands) and the like for transmission to the sub control circuit 331 are also stored.

  The sub-control circuit 331 operates in response to various commands from the main control circuit 301 and performs control related to various effects of the gaming machine 1. For this reason, the sub-control circuit 331 includes a liquid crystal display device 321, speakers 9L and 9R, LEDs used in the gaming machine (indicated by reference numeral 332), lamps used in the gaming machine (indicated by reference numeral 333), speaker A volume control unit 334 for operating the volume of 9L and 9R, an operation unit 31 and the like are connected and controlled. Note that the sub control circuit 331 does not transmit commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 301, and communication is performed in one way from the main control circuit 301 to the sub control circuit 331.

  In the RAM 305, various storage areas shown in FIG. That is, the RAM 305 stores information such as an internal winning combination, a carryover combination described later, and the current gaming state. In addition, various counters such as a demo timer, insertion number counter, and automatic insertion counter, which will be described later, and a storage area for the count values of the timers are also prepared in a predetermined area of the RAM 305 (these counters in the operation program of the CPU 303). When timers are realized).

  In the circuit of FIG. 6, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 301, BET lamps (1-BET lamp 17a, 2-BET lamp 17b, maximum BET lamp 17c) and bonus game information Display units such as the display unit 16, the payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19, and hoppers that store medals and pay out a predetermined number of medals by driving control of the hopper drive circuit 311 (including a drive unit for payout). 312 and stepping motors 313L, 313C, and 313R that rotationally drive the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  Note that a motor drive circuit 314 that drives and controls the stepping motors 313L, 313C, and 313R, a hopper drive circuit 311 that drives and controls the hopper 312, a lamp drive circuit 315 that drives and controls the BET lamps 17a, 17b, and 17c, and a bonus game A display unit driving circuit 316 that drives and controls display units such as the information display unit 16, the payout display unit 18, and the credit display unit 19 is connected to the CPU 303 by a bus. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 303 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  Further, main means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 302 to generate a control command include a start switch 6S, a stop switch 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, There are a maximum BET switch 13, a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 10S, a reel position detection circuit 317, a payout completion signal circuit 318, and the like.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6 and outputs a game start command signal (signal for instructing the start of the game) to detect the start operation. The medal sensor 10S detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 10. The stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS generate a stop command signal (a signal for instructing to stop the change of the symbol) in accordance with the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. The reel position detection circuit 317 receives a pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and outputs a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 303. The payout completion signal circuit 318 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 312S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 312) reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 6, the random number generator 308 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 309 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. By using the random numbers sampled in this way, for example, an internal winning combination is determined based on an internal lottery table (FIGS. 10 and 11 described later) stored in the ROM 304, for example. The internal symbol combination (internal symbol combination data) is that the corresponding symbol combination and the profit given to the player are indirectly associated with each other through the stop control mode corresponding to the internal symbol combination I can say that.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R starts, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 313L, 313C, 313R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 305. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 303 via the reel position detection circuit 317. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 305 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 305 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 arrangement table shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the ROM 304 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol arrangement table, the code numbers (sequentially given to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in FIG. 5) are given sequentially for each fixed rotation pitch of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotational position where the reset pulse is generated. The symbol codes ("00" to "20" corresponding to each 3R symbol) and symbols provided corresponding to the respective code numbers (in FIG. 8, for convenience, (The symbol name is described in place of the symbol code) is registered in association with each other (note that the blank of the symbol code indicates the aforementioned “blank”).

  Furthermore, a symbol combination table (FIG. 13 described later) is stored in the ROM 304. In this symbol combination table, a symbol combination (a symbol combination corresponding to a display combination to be described later), a medal payout number corresponding to a display combination to be described later, and a winning (establishment) thereof are determined. A winning determination code (establishment determination code) not shown is registered in association with each other. The above symbol combination table determines the stop control of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R, the winning confirmation after the stop of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (confirmation of the display combination), and the determination of the number of payouts. Referenced in case. The display combination (display combination data) is basically a combination (established combination) corresponding to the symbol combination arranged along the effective line. The player is given a profit corresponding to the display combination.

  When the internal winning combination is determined by lottery processing (such as internal lottery processing) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 303 stops the switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Is output to the motor drive circuit 314 based on the operation signal sent from the control unit 3 and the determined stop table (not shown) to stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  If it becomes a stop mode (that is, a winning mode) indicating winning of the winning combination, the CPU 303 outputs a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 311 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 312. At that time, the medal detection unit 312S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 312, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 303. As a result, the CPU 303 stops driving the hopper 312 via the hopper drive circuit 311 and ends the medal payout process.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of the sub control circuit 331. The sub control circuit 331 includes an image control circuit 401 and a sound / lamp control circuit 402.

  In the image control circuit 401, the command transmitted from the main control circuit 301 is received by the image control microcomputer 412 via the serial port 411. The image control microcomputer 412 includes a CPU and controls image display on the liquid crystal display device 321. The program ROM 413 stores various control programs executed by the image control microcomputer 412, and the work RAM 414 serves as a work area for the image control microcomputer 412. The calendar IC 415 is a circuit having a calendar function.

  The image control IC 421 is a drive circuit that controls the image display of the liquid crystal display device 321 under the control of the image control microcomputer 412. The image ROM 422 stores moving image data such as effects displayed on the liquid crystal display device 321. The image control IC 421 uses the control RAM 423 and the video RAM 424 as work areas, and displays various moving image data stored in the image ROM 422 on the liquid crystal display device 321.

  Various operations performed on the operation unit 31 are transmitted to the image control microcomputer 412 via a predetermined interface.

  The CCD image sensors 503L, 503C, and 503R are connected to the image control IC 421 via the sensor circuit 505. Images of the reels 3l, 3C, and 3R photographed by the CCD image sensors 503L, 503C, and 503R are captured by the image control IC 421. Predetermined processing is performed and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 321.

  Further, the enlargement buttons 502L, 502C, and 502R are connected to the image control microcomputer 412 via a predetermined interface, and operation signals from the enlargement switches 502L, 502C, and 502R are transmitted to the image control microcomputer 412.

  The command transmitted from the main control circuit 301 is also received by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 432 of the sound / lamp control circuit 402 via the serial port 431. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 432 includes a CPU and controls the LEDs 332, the lamps 333, and the speakers 9L and 9R. The program ROM 433 stores various control programs executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 432. The work RAM 434 serves as a work area for the sound / lamp control microcomputer 432.

  The sound source ROM 435 stores various audio data output from the speakers 9L and 9R. The sound source IC 436 is a drive circuit for the power amplifier 437 that outputs sound from the speakers 9L and 9R. Various operations performed by the volume control unit 334 are transmitted to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 432, and the volume of the speakers 9L and 9R can be adjusted.

[Main tables and storage areas]
With reference to FIG. 9, the internal lottery table determination table for determining the number of lotteries in the internal lottery table (FIGS. 10 and 11 described later) will be described.

  The internal lottery table determination table includes an internal lottery table (FIGS. 10 and 11 described later) corresponding to the gaming state and information on the number of lotteries. In the case of the general gaming state, an internal lottery table for general gaming state (FIG. 10 to be described later) is selected, and basically “6” is determined as the number of lotteries (step S61 in FIG. 21 to be described later). In the RB gaming state, an internal lottery table for RB gaming state (FIG. 11 described later) is selected, and “3” is determined as the number of lotteries (step S61 of FIG. 21 described later). The number of lotteries is the number of times required for determining the internal winning combination.

  Specifically, the number of lotteries is the number of times that it is determined whether or not the random number value is within a predetermined range (a numerical range indicated by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to a winning number described in FIG. 10 described later). However, in the carryover section, the number of lotteries determined as “6” is updated to “4” (step S63 in FIG. 21 described later).

  With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an internal lottery table used in an internal lottery process (FIGS. 21 and 22 described later) for determining an internal winning combination will be described. FIG. 10 shows a general gaming state internal lottery table used in the general gaming state. FIG. 12 shows an internal lottery table for RB gaming state used in the RB gaming state.

  As described above, the internal lottery table is provided for each gaming state and includes information on a numerical range indicated by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the winning number. In the determination of the winning number based on the internal lottery table, “0” to “65535” until the winning number becomes “0” in descending order from the same lottery number determined by the internal lottery table determination table (FIG. 9). It is determined whether or not the random number value extracted from the random numbers in the range “” is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number. When the random number value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value, the corresponding winning number is won (ie, determined). Then, the internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number won and the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 12 described later).

  Further, the internal lottery table is set so that the numerical ranges defined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value corresponding to each of the internal winning combinations that may be won (that is, determined) are overlapped. For these reasons, a plurality of internal winning combinations may be determined by one lottery. For example, when the number of inserted coins is three and the random number value extracted in the general gaming state is “1900”, the extracted random number value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value. The numbers are “3” and “6”.

  Therefore, in this case, both the winning numbers “3” and “6” are won, and both the watermelon and BB1 are determined as the internal winning combination based on the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 12 described later). . Moreover, since the numerical ranges defined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value corresponding to each of cherry and BB2 are set to overlap, both cherry and BB2 are determined as an internal winning combination in one lottery. Is allowed.

  If the random number is never within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value until the winning number becomes “0”, the winning number becomes “0”, and the loss is determined as an internal winning combination.

  Here, in the carryover section, the number of lotteries is updated to “4” (step S63 in FIG. 21 described later), so that the winning number “5” or “6” is not determined. Therefore, in the carryover section, BB1 or BB2 is not determined as the internal winning combination based on the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 12 described later).

  With reference to FIG. 12, an internal winning combination determination table for determining an internal winning combination based on the winning number will be described.

  The internal winning combination determination table includes a winning number and information of an internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number (that is, “flag (data)”). The internal winning combination information is provided for each of the internal winning combinations in order to identify the internal winning combination. Note that the minimum information amount of the flag (data) required to identify the internal winning combination is 8 bits.

  When the winning number is “0”, the loss (that is, “00000000”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “1”, cherry (that is, “00000001”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “2”, a bell (that is, “00000001”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “3”, a watermelon (that is, “00000100”) is determined as an internal winning combination.

  When the winning number is “4”, replay (that is, “00001000”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “5”, BB2 “that is“ 00010000 ”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “6”, BB1 (that is, “00100000”) is determined as the internal winning combination.

  With reference to FIG. 13, the symbol combination table used for determining the display combination and determining the payout number corresponding to the determined display combination will be described.

  The symbol combination table includes a display combination to be described later and information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination. The display combination is basically information (data) for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the effective line. The display combination is provided corresponding to a predetermined combination of symbols and profits given to the gaming machine (for example, paying out medals, operation in a gaming state).

  When the effective line is cooled and the symbol combination “cherry-ANY-ANY” is displayed, cherry (ie, “00000001”) serves as a display role. When the inserted number is one or two, fifteen medals are paid out, and when the inserted number is three, four medals are paid out. Here, “ANY” indicates an arbitrary symbol. When the symbol combination “bell-bell-bell” is displayed along the active line, the bell (ie, “00000010”) serves as a display. When the inserted number is 1 or 2, 15 medals are paid out, and when the inserted number is 3, 8 medals are paid out.

  When the symbol combination “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is displayed along the active line, the watermelon (that is, “00000100”) becomes a display role and 12 medals are paid out. When the symbol combination “Replay-Replay-Replay” is displayed along the active line, the replay (that is, “00001000”) is displayed and a medal is automatically inserted. In other words, in the next game after the game in which replay is displayed, the same number of medals as the medals inserted in the previous game are automatically inserted, so the player can perform the start operation without performing the medal insertion operation. It can be carried out.

  When a combination of symbols “red 7-red 7-red 7” is displayed along the active line, BB1 (that is, “00100000”) serves as a display and the big bonus game is activated. When the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” is displayed along the active line, BB2 (that is, “00010000”) serves as a display and the big bonus game is also activated.

  With reference to FIG. 14, the bonus operation time table referred to in the bonus operation monitoring process (the process in step S23 in FIG. 18 described later) and the bonus operation check process (the process in step S104 in FIG. 25 described later) will be described. .

  The bonus operating time table includes information set in an operating flag (for example, a BB operating flag, an RB operating flag), a bonus end number counter, a game possible number counter, and a winning possible number counter. Specifically, the bonus operating time table includes information on an operating flag (for example, “00000001”) set in an RB operating process, which will be described later, and information on a game possible number counter (“12”). Number counter information (“8”). Further, the bonus operation time table includes information on an operating flag (for example, “00000010”) set in a BB operation processing described later, and information on a bonus end number counter (“350”).

  With reference to FIG. 15, an internal winning combination storage area, a carryover combination storage area, and a random value storage area will be described.

  FIG. 15A shows an internal winning combination storing area for storing information on the internal winning combination. The internal winning combination information is stored (stored) in an internal winning combination storing area consisting of 8 bits. In the internal winning combination storing area, bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to cherry. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the bell. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to a watermelon. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to replay.

  Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. The pit 5 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 6 and bit 7 are unused storage areas. Here, in the internal winning combination storing area, the bit corresponding to the internal winning combination is “1”. For example, when “00000010” is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (when bit 1 is “1”), the internal winning combination is a bell.

  FIG. 15B shows a carryover combination storage area for storing information on the carryover combination. The carryover combination information is stored in a carryover combination storage area consisting of 8 bits. In the carryover combination storage area, bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 0 to bit 3, bit 6, and bit 7 are unused storage areas.

  For example, when there is a carryover combination (that is, when it is a carryover section), “1” is stored in bit 4 or bit 5 corresponding to BB2 or BB1 of the carryover combination storage area (that is, carryover combination storage area) "00100000" or "00010000" is stored in the When there is no carryover combination (that is, when it is not a carryover section), “0” is stored in bit 4 or bit 5 corresponding to BB2 or BB1 in the carryover combination storage area (that is, in the carryover combination storage area). “00000000” is stored).

  FIG. 15C shows a random value storage area (storage area). This random value storage area is provided in the RAM 305. In this random value storage area, numerical information related to random numbers for lottery extracted in step S5 of FIG. 16 described later is stored. In step S5 in FIG. 16 described later, any one piece of numerical information is extracted from 0 to 65535 as a random number for lottery, and the extracted numerical information is stored in the random value storage area.

  It should be noted that a display combination storage area for storing display combination information, an operating flag storage area for storing operating flag information, and the like may be provided as storage areas.

[Control operation of main control circuit]
The control operation of the main control circuit 301 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a main flowchart by the control of the main control circuit 301 will be described.

  First, the CPU 303 of the main control circuit 301 performs an initialization process (step S1). Specifically, the storage contents of the RAM 305 are initialized. Subsequently, the designated storage area (for example, information on the internal winning combination storage area) in the RAM 305 is erased (cleared) (step S2). Specifically, data in a predetermined area of the RAM 305 used for the previous game is deleted.

  Next, a bonus operation monitoring process described later with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 is performed (step S3). In this processing, processing for operating the RB is performed based on the operating flag. Then, a medal acceptance / start check process described with reference to FIG. 19 is performed (step S4). In this process, based on inputs from the start switch 6S, medal sensor 10S, or BET switches 11 to 13, processes such as updating the number of inserted medals and transmitting a demo command are performed. Then, the random value is extracted and stored in the random value storage area (step S5). The random value extracted in this process is used in the internal lottery process (FIGS. 21 and 22 described later).

  Subsequently, a game state monitoring process described later with reference to FIG. 20 is performed (step S6). In this process, the gaming state is determined (transferred) based on the operating flag. Then, based on the detection of the start operation (step S39 described later), an internal lottery process described later with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22 is performed (step S7), and a process of transmitting a start command to the sub control circuit 331 is performed (step S7). Step S8). This start command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination, and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 331.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation (step S9). If 4.1 seconds have elapsed (Y in step S9), the process proceeds to step S11. If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed (N in step S9), wait until 4.1 seconds have elapsed. Time digestion processing is performed (step S10), and the process proceeds to step S11. As described above, until 4.1 seconds elapses, a process for invalidating the input based on the operation of the player to start the game is performed. When 4.1 seconds have elapsed from the start of the previous reel rotation (Y in step S9, S10), the start of rotation of all reels is requested based on detection of the start operation (step S39 described later) (step S11). The design of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is changed. Specifically, all the below-described three effective stop button flags corresponding to the stop switches 7LS, CS, 7RS are all updated to ON. Then, a reel stop control process described later with reference to FIG. 23 is performed (step S12), and the display combination and the number of payouts are determined based on the symbol combination table (FIG. 14) (step S13). Specifically, the display combination and the number of payouts are determined based on the combination of symbols displayed in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and the symbol combination table (FIG. 14). Then, the display combination command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 331 (step S14). This display command includes information on the display combination determined in step S13.

  Next, a medal payout process is performed (step S15), and the bonus end number counter is updated based on the medal payout number (step S16). If the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, the counter is subtracted according to the number of medals paid out. Subsequently, it is determined whether either the RB operating flag or the RB operating flag is on (step S17). If either one is ON (Y in step S17), a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 24 is performed (step S18), and a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 25 is performed ( Step S19), returning to step S2. When both the RB operating flag and the RB operating flag are off (N in Step S17), the bonus operation check process is performed without performing the bonus end check process (Step S18) (Step S19), and Step S2 Return to.

  Next, each process that is a subroutine of the main flowchart of FIGS. 16 and 17 will be described.

  With reference to FIG. 18, the bonus operation monitoring process (step S3) for operating the bonus game (or “RB operation process”) will be described.

  First, it is determined whether or not the BB operating flag is ON (step S21). When the BB operating flag is on (Y in step S21), it is determined whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S22). When the RB operating flag is off (N in step S22), the RB operating process is performed based on the bonus operating table (FIG. 14) (step S23), and then the process of step S4 in FIG. 16 is performed. Transition. When the BB operating flag is off (N in step S21), or when the RB operating flag is on (Y in step S22), the process during RB operation (step S23) is not performed, and step S4 in FIG. 16 is performed. Move on to processing. In the processing at the time of RB operation, the RB operation flag is updated to ON, and the values of the game possible number counter and the winning possible number counter are stored in the RAM 305. In steps S21 to S23, when the BB operating flag is on, the RB operating flag is updated to on when the RB gaming state is ended, and processing is performed so that the RB gaming state starts again. Is.

  With reference to FIG. 19, the medal acceptance / start check process (step S4) performed based on the insertion operation and the start operation by the player will be described.

  First, although not shown, after setting 40000 as an initial value in a demonstration timer stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 305, it is determined whether or not a medal insertion process has been performed (step S31). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the inserted medal switch (medal sensor 10S) is updated to ON or whether signals from the BET switches 11 to 13 are detected.

  When there is a medal insertion process (Y in step S31), the insertion number counter is updated (step S32), and when there is no medal insertion process (N in step S31), the process proceeds to step S38. The inserted number counter is a counter that counts the number of inserted sheets. Specifically, the inserted number counter is updated when there is an input from the inserted medal switch (medal sensor 10S) or when there is an input from the BET switches 11-13. Further, the inserted number counter is also updated when replay is established. And the process which transmits a bet command to the sub-control circuit 331 is performed (step S33). This bet command includes information on the value of the inserted number counter updated in step S35 (that is, the inserted number).

  Next, the bet lamps (that is, the BET lamps 17a to 17c) are turned on according to the value of the inserted number counter, and the valid line counter is updated (step S34). The valid line counter is a counter for identifying the number of valid lines for which the display combination has been determined. Specifically, when there is an input from the inserted medal switch (medal sensor 10S) or when there is an input from the BET switches 11 to 13, a value corresponding to the inserted number of medals is added to the effective line counter. To do. The maximum value of the valid line counter is “5”.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the RB operation flag is on (step S35). When the RB operating flag is OFF (N in step S35), it is determined whether or not the number of inserted medals has reached 3 (step S36). If the inserted number reaches 3 (Y in step S36), addition exceeding 3 in the inserted number counter is prohibited (step S37). Even when the RB operating flag is on (Y in step S35), addition exceeding 3 in the insertion number counter is prohibited (step S37).

  When the inserted medal switch (medal sensor 10S) is not updated to ON (N in Step S31), when the inserted number has not reached 3 (N in Step S36), or addition exceeding 3 in the inserted number counter is prohibited. If it is determined (step S37), the insertion number counter is 1 or more (Y in step S38), and if the start switch is on (Y in step S39), the acceptance of medals from the medal insertion slot 10 is prohibited. (Step S40). Specifically, whether or not the start switch is on is determined by whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S based on the tilting operation of the start lever 6. When the insertion number counter is 0 (N in Step S38) or when the start switch is off (N in Step S39), the process returns to Step S31.

  With reference to FIG. 20, the gaming state monitoring process (step S6) for determining the gaming state based on the operating flag will be described.

  First, it is determined whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S51). When the RB operating flag is on (Y in step S51), the identifier corresponding to the RB gaming state is stored (step S52), and when the RB operating flag is off (N in step S51), general An identifier corresponding to the gaming state is stored (step S53). As described above, in the gaming state monitoring process, if the RB operating flag is ON, an identifier (information) indicating the RB gaming state is stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 305, and the RB operating flag is OFF. For example, an identifier (information) indicating a general gaming state is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 305.

  With reference to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, an internal lottery process (step S7) for determining an internal winning combination based on the gaming state or the like will be described.

  First, based on the internal lottery table determination table (FIG. 9), the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries are determined according to the gaming state (step S61), that is, whether the carryover combination storage area is “0”, that is, The presence / absence of a carryover combination is determined (step S62). When there is a carryover part (in the case of a carryover section) (Y in step S62), the number of lotteries is changed to “4” (step S63), and when it is not a carryover section (N in step S62), or the number of lotteries is set to “ When it is changed to “4” (step S63), the same value as the number of lotteries is set as the winning number (step S64).

  Next, referring to the internal lottery table corresponding to the type determined in step S61, the lower limit (L) is acquired based on the winning number and the number of inserted sheets (step S65), and stored in the random value storage area in the RAM 305. The lower limit (L) is subtracted from the random number (R) that has been set (RL) (step S66), and it is determined whether or not a digit has been performed (step S67). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the calculation result of (R−L) is negative. The case where a digit is made in this determination (Y in step S67) is a case where the random number is smaller than the lower limit (L> R), and the case where no digit is made (step S67). N), the case where the random number value is larger than the lower limit value or the lower limit value is equal to the random value (L ≦ R).

  When a digit is performed in step S67 (Y in step S67), the process proceeds to step S76. When a digit is not performed (N in step S67), it corresponds to the type determined in step S61. With reference to the internal lottery table, the upper limit value (U) is acquired based on the winning number and the number of inserted sheets (step S68), and the upper limit value (U) is calculated from the random number value (R) stored in the random number storage area in the RAM 305. ) Is subtracted (RU) (step S69).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value obtained by the subtraction, specifically, the calculation result of (RU) is “0” (step S70). When it is “0” (Y in step S70), the random number value is equal to the upper limit value (R = U), and when it is not “0” (N in step S70), the random value and the upper limit value. This is the case when the values are not equal (R ≠ U). When it is not “0” (N in Step S70), it is determined whether or not a digit has been performed (Step S71). Specifically, it is determined whether the calculation result of (R−U) is negative. Here, when a digit is performed (Y in step S71) is a case where the random number value is below the upper limit (R <U), and when a digit is not performed (step S71). N), when the random number value exceeds the upper limit value (R> U).

  When a digit is played (Y in step S71), the winning number is stored in the internal lottery combination storage area of the RAM 305 (step S72), and it is determined whether the internal winning combination is BB1 or BB2 (step S73). . When the internal winning combination is BB1 or BB2 (Y in step S73), a flag is stored in the carryover combination storing area based on the internal winning combination (step S74). Specifically, when BB1 is determined as the internal winning combination, “00100000” is stored in the carryover combination storing area, and when BB2 is determined as the internal winning combination, “00010000” is stored as the carryover combination. Store in the area. When the internal winning combination is not BB1 or BB2 (N in step S73), or when the flag is stored in the carryover combination storing area based on the internal winning combination (step S74), the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area And the calculation result is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (step S75).

  When a digit is performed in step S67 (Y in step S67), a digit is not performed in step S71 (N in step S71), or the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storage area is calculated. When this calculation result is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (step S75), the number of lotteries is decremented by 1 (step S76), and it is determined whether the number of lotteries is 0 (step S77). When the number of lotteries is 0 (Y in step S77), the number of times when it is determined whether or not the random value R is included in the numerical range defined by the upper limit value U and the lower limit value L is 6 times, 3 times in the RB gaming state, and 4 times in the internal winning state (carry-over section). On the other hand, if the number of lotteries is not 0 (N in step S77), the number of times of the above determination is less than 6 in the general gaming state, less than 3 in the RB gaming state dark, and in the internal winning state (carry-over section). This is the case of less than 4 times.

  When the number of lotteries is 0 (Y in step S77), the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area is calculated, and the calculation result is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (step S78). The process proceeds to 16 step S8. As a result, if the random value R does not belong to any numerical range of the internal lottery table shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 and Steps S72 to S75 are not performed, the lost or carryover combination is stored in the internal winning combination. It will be stored in the area. If the number of lotteries is not 0 (N in step S77), the process returns to step S64.

  With reference to FIG. 23, the reel stop control process (step S12) for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the internal winning combination or the timing of the stop operation by the player will be described.

  First, whether or not the stop switch has been suppressed, that is, the stop operation of pressing the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R corresponding to the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and the stop operation of the player Is detected (step S81). In this process, specifically, it is determined whether or not the effective stop button flag corresponding to the operated stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is on. When a pressing operation is performed (Y in step S81), the effective stop button flag corresponding to the operated stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is updated to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S82. Here, the effective stop button flag is information for identifying whether or not the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are rotating, and the stop buttons 7L, 7C. , 7R corresponding to each of the three. When the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is on. When the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are not rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is off.

  Next, the number of sliding symbols is determined based on the internal winning combination (step S82). Based on the determined number of sliding symbols and the current symbol position (that is, the rotation angle), the planned stop position (that is, the symbol is determined). The position to be stopped is determined (step S83). The position where the symbol (reel) is stopped is a position where the reel is rotated by the number of sliding frames after the stop operation is performed. That is, based on the internal winning combination and the detection of the player's stop operation by the suppression operation of the stop switch, the variation of the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled to stop by the processing of steps S83 to S86.

  That is, after the scheduled stop position is determined (step S83), the reel rotation is requested to stop (step S84). This request is basically output before the planned stop position. Then, a process of transmitting a reel stop command to the sub-control circuit 331 is performed (step S85). The reel stop command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination, and is transmitted to the sub control circuit 331. Next, it is determined whether or not there is a rotating reel (step S86). Specifically, it is determined whether any of the three valid stop button flags is on. If there is a rotating reel (Y in step S86), the process returns to step S81, and if there is no reel (N in step S86), the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG. That is, when there is a rotating reel 3L, 3C, 3R and any one of the three valid stop button flags is on, the reel 3L, 3C, or 3R corresponding to the valid stop button flag is rotated. If all three effective stop button flags are off, the process proceeds to step S13.

  With reference to FIG. 24, the bonus end check process (step S23) for ending the bonus game when the bonus game end condition is satisfied will be described.

  First, it is determined whether or not a winning is achieved, that is, whether or not a combination of symbols corresponding to a small combination is displayed along an active line (step S91). When a winning is established (Y in step S91), it is determined whether or not the bonus end number counter is “0” (step S92). When the bonus end number counter is “0” (Y in step S92), RB end processing (step S93) and BB end processing (step S94) are performed, and the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. Specifically, in the RB end process (step S93), an RB operating flag, a winning possible number counter, a game possible number counter, and the like are cleared. Further, in the BB end time process (step S94), the BB operating flag, the bonus end number counter, etc. are cleared.

  When the bonus end number counter has not reached “0” (N in step S92), the winning possible number counter is decremented by “1” (step S95), and it is determined whether or not the winning possible number counter is “0”. (Step S96). When the winning possible number counter is “0” (Y in step S96), the process proceeds to step S99. When the winable number counter has not reached “0” (N in step S96), or when no win has been established in step S91 (N in step S91), the gameable number counter is decremented by “1” ( In step S97), it is determined whether or not the possible game number counter is “0” (step S98). When the possible game number counter is “0” (step S98), or when the possible winning number counter reaches “0” (step S96), an RB end time process (step S99) is performed. In the RB end process (step S99), as in step S93 described above, the RB operating flag, the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared. When the game possible number counter has not reached “0” (N in Step S98), or when the RB end process (Step S99) is performed, the process proceeds to Step S15 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 25, the bonus operation check process (step S19) for operating the big bonus game based on the type of display combination or the like will be described.

  First, it is determined whether or not the display combination is replay, that is, whether or not a combination of symbols corresponding to replay (“replay-replay-replay”) is displayed along the active line (step S101). When the display combination is replay (Y in step S101), the inserted number counter is copied to the automatic insertion counter (step S102), and then the process returns to step S2 in FIG. Specifically, in step S102, the same number as the number of medals inserted for the current game is set (automatic insertion) in the automatic insertion counter. The automatic insertion counter is a counter that counts the number of medals to be automatically inserted when the display combination is replay.

  When the display combination is not replay (N in step S101), whether or not the display combination is BB1 or BB2, that is, a combination of symbols corresponding to BB ("red 7-red 7-red 7" or "BAR-" It is determined whether or not “BAR-BAR”) is displayed along the active line (step S103). When the display combination is BB1 or BB2 (Y in step S103), the bonus operation process is performed based on the bonus operation table (FIG. 14) (step S104). For example, when the display combination is BB1, the bonus operating time table (FIG. 14) is referred to, the BB operating flag corresponding to BB1 is updated to ON, and the bonus end number counter is set to “350”. . Then, the carryover combination storage area is cleared (step S105). When the display combination is not BB1 or BB2 (N in step S103), or when the carryover combination storage area is cleared (step S105), the process returns to step S2 in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 26, an interrupt process for repeatedly performing a predetermined process executed every predetermined time by the main CPU (CPU 303) will be described. This interrupt process is repeated every 1.1173 ms.

  First, the register is saved (step S111), and input port check processing is performed (step S112). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S by the tilting operation of the start lever 6. Subsequently, “1” is added to the interrupt counter (step S113). The interrupt counter is a counter for identifying whether or not the CPU 303 performs a reel control process (FIG. 27 described later).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the interrupt counter is an even number (step S114). When the value of the interrupt counter is an even number (Y in Step S114), the process proceeds to Step S121, and when it is an odd number (N in Step S114), the left reel 3L is indicated as a reel identifier as a target of rotation control. Information is set (step S115). The reel identifier is information for identifying a reel corresponding to the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R on which the stop operation has been performed (that is, performing stop control) among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Then, a reel control process described later with reference to FIG. 27 is performed (step S116).

  Similarly, information indicating the center reel 3C is set in the reel identifier (step S117), and a reel control process described later with reference to FIG. 27 is performed (step S118). Further, information indicating the right reel 3R is set in the reel identifier (step S119), and a reel control process described later with reference to FIG. 27 is performed (step S120). Here, the reel control processing shown in step S116, step S118, and step S120 is performed when the value of the interrupt counter is updated to an odd number, but the value of the interrupt counter is updated every 1.1173 ms. Therefore, the reel control process is performed every 2.2346 ms.

  Next, drive control processing of various lamps and 7 segment LEDs is performed (step S121), the register is restored (step S122), and a series of periodic interrupt processing ends. In the interrupt process under the control of the main CPU, the CPU 303 performs a timer update process for subtracting “1” from the value set in the demonstration timer.

  With reference to FIG. 27, a reel control process (steps S116, S118, S120) for controlling the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described.

  First, with reference to the reel identifier set in step S115, step S117, or step S119, it is determined whether or not the corresponding reel is under control (step S131). Here, “in control” indicates any state among stop control, acceleration control, and constant speed control. For example, if the value of the area of the stop control in-progress flag provided in the RAM 305 is on, it is determined that the stop control is being performed, and thus “in control” is determined. If it is off, it is determined that the stop control is not being performed, and therefore it is determined that the control is not being performed. The same applies to acceleration control and constant speed control. If the reel is not “in control” (N in step S131), the processing in step S117, step S119, or step S121 in FIG. 26 is performed according to the reel identifier.

  As described above, in the reel control process, the reel identifier set in step S115, step S117, or step S119 is referred to before the process is called, and the process according to the state related to the corresponding reel is performed. For example, when the right reel 3R is controlled, information indicating the right reel 3R (that is, an identifier indicating the right reel 3R) is set in the reel identifier in step S119, and the process is executed following step S119. In the reel control process, information related to the right reel 3R such as a stop control in-progress flag, an acceleration control in-progress flag, and a constant speed control in-progress flag related to the right reel 3R provided in the RAM 305 is referred to and set. Receives signals related to the reel 3R and outputs excitation signals. Similarly, information regarding each of the left reel 3L and the center reel 3C is referred to and set.

  When the reel is under control (Y in step S131), it is determined whether or not the stop planned position waiting state is set (step S132). When it is in the stop planned position waiting state (Y in step S132), it is determined whether or not the planned stop position has been reached (step S133). When the planned stop position is reached (Y in step S133), the process proceeds to the deceleration control state (step S134). In step S132 to step S134, for example, when the number of sliding symbols is determined to be “4”, the control state is constant speed until the symbols for four frames (that is, the number of sliding symbols) rotate. After maintaining the control state and rotating the symbols for four frames, the control state shifts to the deceleration control state.

  Transition to the deceleration control state (step S134), or not waiting for the planned stop position (N in step S132), or when reaching the planned stop position (N in step S133), the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotation acceleration control, constant speed control, deceleration control, or stop control is performed (step S135), and then the processing of step S117, step S119, or step S121 of FIG. 25 is performed according to the reel identifier.

[Control operation of sub-control circuit]
Next, the control operation of the sub control circuit 331 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 28, a reset interrupt process in which a predetermined process is repeatedly performed under the control of the sub CPU (image control microcomputer 412) will be described. First, the image control microcomputer 412 performs initialization processing of the work RAM 414, the control RAM 423, the video RAM 424, etc. (step S141), and captures the images of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by the CCD image sensors 503L, 503C, 503R. Reel image display processing to be displayed in the reel image display area 501 is performed (step S142). The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R displayed in the reel image display area 501 by this reel image display processing are displayed in an enlarged size than the actual size by the processing in the image control IC 421.

  Then, an input monitoring process for monitoring whether or not various commands are input from the main control circuit 301 is performed (step S143). If there is a command input, a command input process for receiving the input of the command is performed (step S144). Next, a reel image enlargement process described later with reference to FIG. 29 is performed (step S145), and a command output process for outputting a necessary command to the sound / lamp control circuit 402 is performed (step S146).

  Next, the reel image enlargement process in step S145 will be described. The enlargement switches 502L, 502C, and 502R correspond to the symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R, respectively. First, when one of the enlargement switches 502L, 502C, and 502R is operated (Y in step S151), one of the symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R corresponding to the operated enlargement switch is the image control IC 421. Through the above process, the image is enlarged and displayed in the reel image display area 501 (enlarged display) (step S152). When one of the same enlargement switches 502L, 502C, and 502R operated in step S151 is operated again (Y in step S153), the symbol displayed in an enlarged manner corresponding to the enlargement switch. Any of the display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R returns to the original standard display (step S154). FIG. 30 shows an example of enlarged display, and shows an example in which the enlargement switch 502C is operated and the symbol display area 504C is enlarged.

  According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, a standard for displaying images of the small reels 3L, 3C, 3R larger than actual by taking the images of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with the CCD image sensors 503L, 503C, 503R. Since the display is performed, the degree of freedom in designing the housing of the gaming machine 1 can be improved and the housing can be downsized.

  Further, when the player designates any of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by pressing any of the enlargement switches 502L, 502C, 502R, an enlarged display for further enlarging and displaying the reel in comparison with the normal standard display is displayed. Since this is done, it is possible to give a new gameability that has never existed before and enhance the interest of the game. In addition, by displaying the desired reel in an enlarged manner, it becomes easier for the player to push the display.

  In this case, since the enlargement switches 502L, 502C, and 502R are provided on the front surface (front door 2) of the casing of the gaming machine 1, the player can enlarge the reel at an arbitrary timing. When the player senses (or assumes) that the bonus has been won internally or that a specific role has been won internally, it is possible to easily carry out the sun.

  The liquid crystal display device 321 may display a message suggesting that an enlarged display is performed based on an internal winning combination or a predetermined lottery.

  In the above-described example, the enlarged display is performed by the enlargement switches 502L, 502C, and 502R. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R include the enlargement switch 502L, The functions of 502C and 502R may also be used. For example, when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are fully pressed, the original functions of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are exhibited, and when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed halfway, the functions of the enlargement switches 502L, 502C, and 502R are displayed. To demonstrate. Thereby, since the player can perform an enlarged display in a series of games, the game can be performed smoothly. Moreover, the switches of the front door 2 can be reduced, and the limited space of the front door 2 can be used effectively.

  Further, in the above-described example, the enlarged display is performed by operating the enlargement switches 502L, 502C, and 502R. However, any of the symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R is automatically enlarged when a predetermined condition is satisfied. You may make it display. For example, in the situation where two of the symbol display areas 504L, 504C, and 504R are already stopped and the bonus is won depending on the symbol after the remaining one stop display, the last one is automatically enlarged and displayed. And so on.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine that is an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the reel in the housing | casing of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing of the reel in the housing | casing of a game machine. It is a top view of each display part of a gaming machine. It is a top view which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the reel. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of the sub control circuit of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing of a symbol arrangement | positioning table. It is explanatory drawing of an internal lottery table determination table. It is explanatory drawing of the internal lottery table for general game states. It is explanatory drawing of the internal lottery table for RB game states. It is explanatory drawing of an internal winning combination determination table. It is explanatory drawing of a symbol combination table. It is explanatory drawing of the table at the time of a bonus action | operation. It is explanatory drawing of various storage areas. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU. It is a flowchart of a bonus operation | movement monitoring process. It is a flowchart of a medal reception / start check process. It is a flowchart of a gaming state monitoring process. It is a flowchart of an internal lottery process. It is a flowchart of an internal lottery process. It is a flowchart of a reel stop control process. It is a flowchart of a bonus end check process. It is a flowchart of a bonus operation check process. It is a flowchart of the interruption process by control of main CPU. It is a flowchart of a reel control process. It is a flowchart of the reset interruption process by control of a sub CPU. It is a flowchart of a reel image expansion process. It is a top view of each display part when a reel is enlarged and displayed.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 3L, 3C, 3R reel 7L, 7C, 7R stop button 502L, 502C, 502R expansion switch 503L, 503C, 503R CCD image sensor

Claims (3)

A plurality of reels provided in the housing, each having a symbol displayed on the outer peripheral surface,
An image sensor for photographing the outer peripheral surface of each reel;
A symbol display means for displaying a symbol of each reel photographed by each photoelectric conversion element;
Start operation detecting means for detecting a start operation by the player;
A winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination based on detection of a starting operation performed by the starting operation detecting means;
Design variation means for starting the rotation of each reel based on detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detection means and performing variation of each symbol;
A stop operation detecting means for detecting a stop operation by the player;
Stop control means for controlling the reels to stop based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means and detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means;
Reel designation means for the player to designate a desired one of the reels;
An enlarged display means for enlarging and displaying the symbol of the reel displayed on the symbol display means when there is a reel designated by the reel designating means, compared to the case of no designation;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the reel designating unit is an operation unit provided on a front surface of the housing. 3. The operation unit is a button that allows the player to perform the stop operation by fully pressing the button and the player to specify a desired one of the reels by pressing the button halfway. The gaming machine described in 1.

Images