JP4437412B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, as such a gaming machine, for example, there is a slot machine. In the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, the internal winning combination is determined based on the random number value extracted at the time of operating the start lever, and the operation shifts to a state where the operation of the stop button becomes effective. The random number is composed of numerical values in a predetermined range and is periodically generated in a predetermined order.

In a general slot machine, if the start lever is operated before the set time elapses from the start of the previous unit game, the start of the game is waited until the set time elapses. Each unit game is advanced in accordance with the internal winning combination determined at the time of operating the start lever. When the winning of the internal winning combination is established, the number of medals is paid out according to the type of the internal winning combination, and depending on the internal winning combination, the game shifts to a privilege game advantageous to the player.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-72313

  However, in the conventional slot machine, since the next unit game is started after the set time has elapsed since the start of the previous unit game, the time interval between unit games tends to be constant. . For this reason, the above conventional slot machine has no undulation in the progress of the game and lacks in the fun of the game.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are displayed, an operation unit operated by a player, and a plurality of operations when the operation unit is operated. A game starting means for starting a unit game by rotating the reel, and a unit game by the game starting means until the set time elapses when the operation unit is operated before the set time has elapsed since the start of the previous unit game. A random number update means for periodically updating random numbers in a predetermined numerical range in a predetermined order, and a game start standby means for waiting for the start of the game, and a time changing means for changing the set time when a predetermined condition is satisfied. And a random number extraction means for extracting a random number updated by the random number update means when the set time has elapsed when the operation unit is operated within the set time, and a predetermined number range. For each value group, there is provided an internal winning combination determining means for allocating a combination corresponding to a combination of symbols and determining a combination assigned to a numerical group to which the random number extracted by the random number extracting means belongs as an internal winning combination. A plurality of reels are configured to be stopped based on the timing of the operation and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, and the time changing means has passed the set time by the random number extracting means. sometimes random number extracted, so that the values belonging to the numerical group assigned to a particular role, characterized that you change the set time. The predetermined condition, for example, when it is determined by the extraction election, when a predetermined operation is performed, or is established when in a predetermined gaming state.

According to this configuration, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the set time from the start of the previous unit game to the start of the next unit game is changed. For this reason, there is a difference in the time from the start of the previous unit game to the start of the next unit game depending on whether the predetermined condition is satisfied or not. Therefore, the time interval between unit games differs depending on whether the predetermined condition is satisfied or not, and the progress of the game is undulated, so that the fun of the game is improved.
Further, according to this configuration, when a predetermined condition is satisfied and the set time from the start of the previous unit game to the start of the current unit game is changed, the change is made from the start of the previous unit game. When the operation unit is operated before the set time elapses, random numbers belonging to the numerical value group assigned to the specific combination are extracted by the random number extraction unit, and the specific combination is determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determination unit. It is determined. For this reason, depending on whether the predetermined condition is satisfied or not, the player's expectation for the winning of a specific combination in the next unit game is undulated, and the game is more interesting. In addition, by changing the set time from the start of the previous unit game to the start of the current unit game, it is determined to the player that the specific winning combination has been determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means. Informed.

  According to such a gaming machine according to the present invention, as described above, the undulation occurs in the progress of the game when the predetermined condition is satisfied and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, so that the fun of the game is improved.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a pachislot machine 1 according to this best mode.

  Three reels 2, 3, 4 are rotatably provided inside the cabinet at the center of the main body of the pachislot machine 1. A plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) are displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 2, 3, 4. Display windows 5, 6, and 7 are formed in the cabinet front panel 38, and three symbols displayed on each reel 2, 3, and 4 are observed through the display windows 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The The display windows 5, 6 and 7 are provided with a total of five pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B, three horizontally and two diagonally. In addition, on the lower right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a slot 8 is provided for a player to insert a medal as a game medium.

  Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal from the medal insertion slot 8, the central one winning line L1 is activated. When two cards are inserted, the three horizontal pay lines L1, L2A, L2B are activated. When three cards are inserted, all of the pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B are validated.

  Further, on the device front panel 38 on the left side of the display windows 5 to 7, four game operation indicators 9 to 12, three BET lamps 13 to 15, and a stored number display unit 16 are provided from the top. ing. The game operation indicators 9 to 12 and the BET lamps 13 to 15 are controlled to be turned on according to the game state, and the player is notified of the game state at that time. The stored number display unit 16 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED (light emitting diode) and displays the number of medals currently credited in the machine.

  In addition, on the device front panel 38 on the right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a bonus count display unit 18, a WIN lamp 19, and a payout number display unit 20 are provided from the top. The bonus count display section 18 is made up of three-digit 7-segment LEDs, and digitally displays the remaining number of possible winnings of the RB game and the jack game when winning the bonus game. The WIN lamp 19 is turned on when the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) is won internally. The number-of-payout display unit 20 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of medals to be paid out by winning.

  A liquid crystal display device 39 is provided on the device front panel 38 below the display windows 5 to 7. On the display screen 39a of the liquid crystal display device 39, an image indicating information relating to the game is displayed. Further, on the lower left side of the display windows 5 to 7, a 1 stored medal insertion switch 26, a 2 stored medal insertion switch 27, and a 3 stored medal insertion switch 28 are provided. The stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28 are 1 to 1 in one game (unit game) instead of inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 8 when the number of medals is displayed on the stored number display unit 16 and credited. Used when betting 3 medals.

  Also, below the device front panel 38, a stored medal settlement switch 29, a start lever 30, and stop buttons 31, 32, 33 are provided from the left side. The stored medal settlement switch 29 is used when a medal credited in the machine is settled. Further, the operation of the start lever 30 starts the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 all at once. The start lever 30 constitutes an operation unit operated by the player. The stop buttons 31 to 33 are arranged corresponding to the reels 2 to 4, and the operation is activated when the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 reaches a certain speed, and each of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is activated according to the player's operation. The rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is stopped.

  A medal tray 34 is provided at the lower front of the pachi-slot machine 1. The medal tray 34 stores medals paid out from the medal payout opening 35. In addition, a payout display section 36 indicating how many medals are paid out for winning is provided at the upper front portion of the pachislot machine 1.

  Each reel 2 to 4 is configured as a rotary reel unit shown in FIG. 2 and is attached to a frame 41 via a bracket 42. Each of the reels 2 to 4 has a reel band 44 attached to the outer periphery of the reel drum 43. A symbol row is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel band 44. Each bracket 42 is provided with a stepping motor 45, and each of the reels 2 to 4 is rotated by driving the motor 45.

  The structure of each reel 2-4 is shown in FIG. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, a lamp case 46 is provided inside the reel drum 43 behind the reel band 44. In each of the three chambers of the lamp case 46, reel back lamps 47a and 47b are provided. 47c are attached. These back lamps 47a to 47c are configured such that LEDs 47 that emit a plurality of different colors are attached to a substrate 48, as shown in FIG. 5B, and the substrate 48 is attached to the back surface of the lamp case 46. Yes. A photo sensor 49 is attached to the bracket 42. The photo sensor 49 detects that the shielding plate 50 provided on the reel drum 43 passes through the photo sensor 49 as the reel drum 43 rotates.

  Each of the back lamps 47a to 47c is a light source whose lighting is controlled by a lamp driving circuit 89 (FIG. 7) described later. When the back lamps 47a to 47c are turned on, among the symbols drawn on the reel band 44, three symbols positioned at the front of each back lamp 47 are individually illuminated from behind, and the display windows 5 to 7 are illuminated. Three symbols are projected on each.

  FIG. 4 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reel bands 44 of the left, middle, and right reels 2, 3, and 4 are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored as a data table in a program ROM 65 (FIG. 6) described later. On each of the reels 2, 3, and 4, a symbol row composed of “7”, “BAR”, “watermelon”, “bell”, “replay”, and “cherry” symbols is represented. Each reel 2, 3 and 4 is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows the combinations and payout numbers corresponding to winning symbol combinations in each gaming state.

  The gaming state of the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes “general gaming state”, “BB internal winning state”, “RB internal winning state”, “BB general gaming state”, and “RB gaming state”. Each of these five game states is basically distinguished by the types of winning combinations that may be won internally and the types of bonuses that can be achieved.

  The bonus winning flag of the BB combination or the RB combination is carried over to the next game and held as an internal winning combination until the bonus winning is actually established after the internal winning of the bonus. The winning flags of other combinations are valid only for the unit game won internally, and are not carried over to the next game.

  A gaming state that occurs when a BB winning is established and is configured by the “BB general gaming state” and the “RB gaming state” is hereinafter collectively referred to as “BB gaming state”. The “BB internal winning state” and “RB internal winning state” are states in which the bonus is internally won, and these are collectively referred to as “internally winning state” hereinafter. In the “internal winning state”, at least one of the bonus winning flags is carried over.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the BB winning is established by arranging “7-7-7” along the activated winning line in the internal winning state. After the BB winning is established, the gaming state becomes the BB general gaming state.

  In the RB winning, “BAR-BAR-BAR” is arranged along the activated winning line in the internal winning state, or “Replay-Replay-Replay” or “BAR-Replay-Replay” is arranged in the BB general gaming state. It is established by 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 state.

  The replay winning is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” or “BAR-Replay-Replay” in the general gaming state and the internal winning state. When a re-game winning is established, the same number of medals as the number of inserted medals are automatically inserted, so that the player can play the next game without consuming the medals.

  In addition, in the general gaming state, the internal winning state, and the BB general gaming state, winning of “medium cherry small part”, “horn cherry small part”, “bell small part”, and “watermelon small part” is established. Although it can be realized, the number of payouts is as shown.

  The winning combination of winnings is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” or “BAR-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 an RB gaming state in which a winning combination of an accessory may be established is generally referred to as a “JAC game”.

  6 and 7 show circuit configurations configured on the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62 that control the game processing operation of the pachislot machine 1 described above.

  The control unit in the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 6 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 63 as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 63 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 64 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM (read only memory) 65 that is a program storage means, and a control RAM (random access) with a backup function. -Memory) 66.

  The main CPU 64 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 67 and a frequency divider 68 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 69 for generating a certain range of random numbers, and a random number sampling circuit 70 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. It is connected. Further, an I / O port (input / output port) 71 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a peripheral device (actuator) described later is connected. The random number generator 69 constitutes random number updating means for periodically updating random numbers in a predetermined numerical range (in this embodiment, a range of 0 to 16383) in a predetermined order (in order of increasing numerical values in this embodiment). As will be described later, the random number value is updated every 250 μsec. Further, the random number sampling circuit 70 sets the set time when the start lever 30 is operated within a predetermined set time (4.096 seconds (= 16384 × 250 μsec) in the present embodiment) from the start of the previous unit game. Random number extraction means for extracting a random number updated by the random number generator 69 when the period of time elapses.

  In the program ROM 65, a storage unit is divided so as to store various tables including a probability lottery table shown in FIG. 8, a sequence program, and the like. The main CPU 64 performs game processing according to this sequence program.

  FIG. 8 conceptually shows the probability lottery table.

  This probability lottery table is used when the internal winning combination is lottered during the general gaming state in the probability lottery process (FIG. 10, step 114) of the main flowchart described later. The probability lottery table stores data that is generated by the random number generator 69 and that classifies the random numbers extracted by the random number sampling circuit 70 into roles. Each combination is assigned a predetermined numerical group in a predetermined numerical range of 0 to 16383 as each random number range. A random number range with a lower limit value of 0 and an upper limit value of 19 is assigned to the small role of “middle cherry”. When the extracted random number value is in the range of 0 to 19, a request flag for “middle cherry” is set. The winning probability of the small role of “medium cherry” is 20/16384 (= 1 / 8819.2). A random number range of a lower limit value 20 and a lower limit value 219 is assigned to the small role of “horn cherry”. When the extracted random value belongs to the range of 20 to 219, a request flag per “horn cherry” is set. The winning probability of the small role of “Kaku Cherry” is 200/16384 (= 1 / 81.92). A random number range of a lower limit value 220 and an upper limit value 2252 is assigned to the small part of “Bell”. When the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 220 to 2252, a request flag per “Bell” is set. The winning probability of the small part of “Bell” is 2033/16384 (= 1 / 8.059). A random number range of a lower limit value 2253 and an upper limit value 2380 is assigned to the small part of “watermelon”, and a request flag for “watermelon” is set when the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 2253 to 2380. The winning probability of the small part of “Watermelon” is 128/16384 (= 1/128). “Replay” is assigned a random number range of a lower limit value 23811 and an upper limit value 4625, and a request flag per “replay” is set if the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 2381-4625. The winning probability of “Replay” is 2245/16384 (= 1 / 7.298). A random number range of a lower limit value 4626 and an upper limit value 4663 is assigned to “RB”, and a request flag per “RB” is set when the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 4626 to 4663. The winning probability of “RB” is 68/16384 (= 1 / 240.941). “BB” is assigned a random number range of a lower limit value 4694 and an upper limit value 4807, and a request flag per “BB” is set when the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 4694 to 4807. The winning probability of “BB” is 114/16384 (= 1 / 143.719). A random number range having a lower limit value 4808 and an upper limit value 16383 is assigned to “losing”, and the winning probability is 11576/16384 (= 1 / 1.415).

  The main CPU 64 and the program ROM 65 of the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 6 assign a role type for each random number range shown in the table of FIG. 8, and assign a role assigned to the random number range to which the random number extracted by the random number sampling circuit 70 belongs. The internal winning combination determining means for determining the internal winning combination. That is, the internal winning combination is determined by which random number range the sampled one random number value belongs to, and is represented by the determined combination hit request flag. The bonus request flag “BB” or “RB” is carried over to the game after the flag is set, and the symbol combination “BB” or “RB” is stopped and displayed on the activated pay line, and the bonus winning is actually performed. If this happens, the bonus requirement flag is cleared. Flags other than the bonus requirement flag are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are cleared at the end of the game and are not carried over after the next game.

  Further, the main CPU 64 constitutes a game start means for starting a unit game when the start lever 30 is operated. The unit game is started when the start lever 30 is operated. Strictly speaking, after the start lever 30 is operated, one game monitoring timer is set (see step 118 in FIG. 10). Is done. Further, when the start lever 30 is operated before a predetermined set time (4.096 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous unit game, the main CPU 64 starts the game until the set time elapses. A game start standby means for waiting for the start of the unit game by the means is configured. Further, the main CPU 64 constitutes a time changing means for changing the set time when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the predetermined condition is satisfied when the internal winning combination “watermelon” is determined by the internal winning combination determining means. When this predetermined condition is satisfied, the time changing means is a value in which the random number extracted when the predetermined set time has elapsed by the random number extracting means is a value belonging to the random number range assigned to the specific combination (BB in this embodiment). Change the set time so that

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 63 include a stepping motor 45 that rotationally drives the reels 2, 3, and 4, various lamps (BET lamps 13 to 15, a start lamp 17, a WIN lamp 19, There are an insert lamp 21), various display units (game action indicators 9 to 12, a stored number display unit 16, a bonus count display unit 18, a payout number display unit 20), and a hopper 72 for storing medals. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display unit drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71 of the microcomputer 63.

  As main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal, the inserted medal sensor 8S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal slot 8 and the operation of the start lever 30 are used. There are a start switch 30S for detecting the stored medal, the aforementioned stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28, and a stored medal settlement switch 29. Further, as the input signal generating means, there is a reel position detection circuit 77 which receives the output pulse signal from the photo sensor 49 and detects the rotational position of each reel 2, 3 and 4. The photo sensor 49 is included in the driving mechanism of each reel 2 to 4 and is not shown in the figure.

  The reel position detection circuit 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45 after the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is started, and writes this count value in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Accordingly, the control RAM 66 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range for each of the reels 2 to 4. The photo sensor 49 generates a reset pulse every time the reels 2 to 4 make one rotation. This reset pulse is given to the main CPU 64 via the reel position detection circuit 77, and the count value of the drive pulse counted by the control RAM 66 is cleared to "0". By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 45 is eliminated every rotation.

  Further, as the input signal generating means, a reel stop signal circuit 78 for generating a signal for stopping the corresponding reels 2, 3, 4 when the stop buttons 31, 32, 33 are pressed, and medals paid out from the hopper 72. There are a medal detection unit 72S for counting the number and a payout completion signal generation circuit (not shown). These are also connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71. When the medal count value actually paid out input from the medal detection unit 72S reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal input from the display unit drive circuit 75, the payout completion signal generation circuit generates a medal payout. Generate a signal to detect completion.

  A sub-control unit communication port 79 is connected to the I / O port 71, and the microcomputer 63 sends a signal to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79. The sub control board 62 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with a main control unit communication port 88 for receiving this signal. Communication between the sub control unit communication port 79 and the main control unit communication port 88 is performed only in one direction from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88. In the present embodiment, the signal sent from the sub-control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88 is a 7-bit command type indicating the control type and a maximum 24-bit length command content. It is composed of the parameters represented.

  The sub control board 62 performs a predetermined effect based on a control signal from the main control board 61. The control unit in the sub-control board 62 is configured with the microcomputer 81 as a main component. Similarly to the microcomputer 63 on the main control board 61, the microcomputer 81 includes a sub CPU 82 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM 83 that is a program storage unit, and a control RAM 84 with a backup function. A clock pulse generation circuit 85 for generating a reference clock pulse and a frequency divider 86 are also connected to the sub CPU 82. Further, the sub CPU 82 further transmits / receives signals to / from the main control unit communication port 88 and an actuator described later. / O port 87 is connected.

  As an actuator whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 81, there are reel back lamps 47a, 47b, 47c built in each reel 2-4. Lighting of these back lamps 47 a to 47 c is controlled by a drive signal from a lamp drive circuit 89 connected to the I / O port 87.

  The I / O port 87 is connected to an image control work RAM 98, a VDP (video display processor) 90, and a sound source IC 91. The VDP 90 is connected to a character ROM 92 storing character data, a video RAM 93 which is a color display display buffer memory, and an image control work RAM 98 is also connected. The VDP 90 displays an image on the liquid crystal display device 39 under the control of the microcomputer 81. The microcomputer 81 fetches information such as the gaming state at that time and the type of winning flag from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88, and selects an effect image to be displayed based on the fetched gaming state and winning flag. Then, the effect image selected by controlling the VDP 90 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 39.

  In addition, a sound ROM 94 storing sound data is connected to the sound source IC 91, and the sound source IC 91 emits sound from the speakers 96 and 96 through the power amplifier 95 under the control of the microcomputer 81. The microcomputer 81 controls the sound source IC 91 and the power amplifier 95 in accordance with an instruction input from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88 to control the medal insertion sound, start lever operation sound, stop button operation sound, bonus Sound effects such as game sounds during the game are output from the speakers 96 and 96. In addition, sound is output from the speakers 96, 96 in a sound output pattern based on the game state fetched from the main control board 61 and an effect mode selected based on the winning flag.

  Next, the control operation of the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the main CPU 64 performs initialization at the start of the game (see step 101 in FIG. 9). Specifically, the contents stored in the control RAM 66 are initialized, the communication data is initialized, and the like. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the control RAM 66 at the end of the game are erased (step 102). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the control RAM 66 used in the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the control RAM 66, and the start address of the sequence program of the next game is set. Make designations. Next, it is determined whether or not "30 seconds" have elapsed since the end of the previous game, that is, after all reels 2, 3, and 4 have stopped (step 103). If this determination is “YES”, a standby screen command is transmitted to the sub-control board 62 (step 104). The standby screen command is a command for requesting display of a “demo image”.

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not there is an automatic insertion request for medals, that is, whether or not a replay winning has been established in the previous game (step 105). When this determination is “YES”, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step 106). If the determination in step 105 is “NO”, it is determined whether or not there is a medal inserted (step 107). Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the inserted medal sensor 8S or the BET switches 26, 27, and 28. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step 108, and when the determination is “NO”, the process returns to step 103, and the above-described processing is repeated. When the main CPU 64 automatically inserts a medal or receives an input based on the medal insertion, the main CPU 64 transmits a BET command to the sub control board 62 side via the sub control unit communication port 79 (step 108).

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not there is an input from the start switch 30S based on the operation of the start lever 30 (step 109). If this determination is “YES”, then the main CPU 64 determines whether or not a predetermined set time has elapsed since the start of the previous game (step 110). This set time is set by a time setting process (see step 117 in FIG. 10) described later, but is initially set to 4.1 seconds. If the set time has not elapsed, a wait time command is transmitted to the sub control board 62 via the sub control unit communication port 79, and the game start wait time until the set time elapses after the wait function is activated. Is digested (step 111). If the operation of the start lever 30 is performed before the set time elapses, a reel non-rotation sound is emitted from the speakers 96, 96, and the player is notified that the weight function has been activated. When the set time has elapsed since the start of the previous game, the main CPU 64 next extracts a random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 69 by the random number sampling circuit 70 (see step 112 in FIG. 10).

  The random number generated by the random number generator 69 is updated by an interrupt process performed every 250 μsec shown in FIG. In this interrupt process, the main CPU 64 adds “1” to the previous random number generated by the random number generator 69 when an interrupt pulse is input from the frequency divider 68 every 250 μsec (FIG. 12, step 201), the random value obtained by the addition is set in the random number generator 69 (step 202). This process is repeated each time an interrupt pulse is input, the random number value is counted up in the range of “0” to “16383”, and when the random value reaches “16383”, the random number value is again “0”. And the random number is updated in the next cycle.

  After extracting the random numbers, the main CPU 64 performs a gaming state monitoring process (FIG. 10, step 11113). In the gaming state monitoring process, the gaming state is set to the gaming state corresponding to the winning request flag with reference to the winning request flag. Subsequently, the main CPU 64 performs a probability lottery process (step 114). In the probability lottery process, a probability lottery table is used according to the gaming state, the random number value extracted in step 112 is determined to which random number range of the probability lottery table (see FIG. 8) belongs, The internal winning combination is determined based on the value of the request flag.

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines a combination (stop winning combination) that can establish an internal winning combination corresponding to the winning request flag set in the control RAM 66 (step 115). Next, the main CPU 64 performs a stop table selection process (step 116). That is, the stop table corresponding to the winning combination for stop determined in step 115 is determined from the stop table selection table. Subsequently, the main CPU 64 performs time setting processing (step 117). In this time setting process, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, when “watermelon” is determined as an internal winning combination in the probability lottery process in step 114, the time is measured in step 111 of the next unit game of this unit game. The set time is extended to the time when the BB wins internally. That is, the setting timed at step 111 of the next unit game so that the random value extracted from the random number generator 69 by the random number sampling circuit 70 at step 112 of the next unit game belongs to the random number range 4694 to 4807 of BB. Set the time. Specifically, the difference (B−A) between the random value A extracted in the current unit game and the random value B assigned to BB in the probability lottery table is calculated, and the calculated value is used to generate a random number. The set time is extended by a time (B−A) × 250 μsec obtained by multiplying the interrupt processing time interval of 250 μsec. Other than the above, that is, when a predetermined condition is not satisfied, 4.1 seconds (4.096 seconds) is applied as the set time.

  Next, the main CPU 64 sets a timer for monitoring one game (step 118). This one-game monitoring timer is a timer for monitoring a set time which is the shortest time interval between unit games. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a start command transmission process at the start of the game (step 119). Specifically, a process of transmitting a command including information such as an internal winning combination drawn in the probability lottery process in step 114 to the sub-control board 62 is performed. Subsequently, the main CPU 64 performs a reel rotation process (step 120).

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the stop buttons 31 to 33 are operated “ON” (step 121). If this determination is “NO” without any of the stop buttons 31 to 33 being operated, it is next determined whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0” (step 122). When this determination is “NO”, the processing returns to step 121 and the above-described processing is repeated.

  If any one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is operated and the determination in step 121 becomes “YES” or the value of the automatic stop timer becomes “0”, the main CPU 64 next performs a sliding frame number determination process. (Step 123). In this sliding frame number determination process, at the timing when the player's stop operation is performed, the types of symbols displayed on the reels 2, 3, 4 that are visually recognized by the player through the display windows 5, 6, 7, and internal winnings The number of sliding symbols is determined based on the internal winning combination determined by the combination determining means. Subsequently, the reel corresponding to the stopped stop button is rotated by the number of sliding frames and then stopped (step 124). Here, the “number of sliding symbols” indicates the number of symbols to be moved after the stop buttons 31 to 33 are operated and before the reels 2 to 4 are stopped, and is also referred to as “number of pull-in”. is there.

  At this time, a reel stop command including information that can identify the stopped reels 2, 3, and 4, information that can identify the type of the symbol displayed by the stopped reel on a predetermined activated pay line, The data is transmitted from the main control board 61 to the sub control board 62. Subsequently, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not all reels are stopped (step 125). If this determination is "NO", the process returns to step 121, and the above-described processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, when all the reels 2 to 4 are stopped and the determination in step 125 is “YES”, the main CPU 64 transmits an all reel stop command to the sub-control board 62 (see step 126 in FIG. 11). A winning search process is performed (see step 127 in FIG. 12). In this winning search process, the type of combination of symbols actually arranged on the activated winning line is matched with the type of winning combination determined by the probability lottery process. Next, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step 128). If the determination result is not normal, an illegal error is displayed on the payout number display unit 20 and the liquid crystal display panel 39 (step 129).

  On the other hand, if the determination result is normal, the main CPU 64 performs game medal storage or payout processing depending on the state at that time (step 130). That is, if the game is played with credits, the number of stored coins displayed on the stored coin number display unit 16 is increased by the number of medals acquired by winning, and the game is performed by inserting medals into the medal slot 8. If it is in a state in which the medals are performed, the number of medals won by winning is paid out to the medal tray 34.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 64 performs a WIN lamp lighting process for lighting the WIN lamp 19, and the player is notified of the winning occurrence (step 131). Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is operating the BB game or the RB game (step 132). If the BB game or RB game is in operation, then the number of games in the BB game or RB game is checked (step 133). Subsequently, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is at the end of the BB game (step 134). If it is time to end the BB game, a BB end command is transmitted to the sub-control board 62. The BB end command includes a 3-bit parameter indicating the end operation. When the BB end command is transmitted, a RAM clear process at the end of the BB game is performed on the control RAM 66 (step 135). If the determination in step 132 is not in operation of the BB game or RB game, or if the determination in step 134 is not at the end of the BB game, or if the processing in step 135 is completed, the processing returns to step 102 and the next A new game is started.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the game process controlled by the sub CPU 82. In the sub control board 62, various commands received from the main control board 61 side are always analyzed by the sub CPU 82, and various game processes based on the commands are appropriately performed (see step 200 in FIG. 13).

  In the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when “watermelon” is determined as the internal winning combination in the previous unit game, the set time from the start of the previous unit game to the start of the next unit game can be set. Extended. For example, when the random number sampling circuit 70 extracts the random value “2253” in the previous unit game and “watermelon” is determined as the internal winning combination in the previous unit game, the random number “2253” and BB A corresponding random number value, for example, a difference “2441” (= 4694-2253) from “4694” is calculated. The set time measured in step 111 of the next unit game is extended by a time 0.61025 seconds (= 2441 × 250 μsec) obtained by multiplying the calculated difference “2441” by the random number update time 250 μsec. The time is 4.70625 seconds (= 0.61025 seconds + 4.096 seconds × 1).

  For this reason, there is a difference in the time from the start of the previous unit game to the start of the next unit game between the case where “Watermelon” is determined as the internal winning combination in the previous unit game. it can. Therefore, the time interval between unit games differs depending on whether the predetermined condition is satisfied or not, and the progress of the game is undulated, so that the fun of the game is improved.

  Moreover, if the set time is extended, the start lever 30 is operated in the next unit game before the set time changed from the start of the previous unit game, and the game start waiting time process in step 111 is performed. In the case of the next unit game, random numbers belonging to the random number range 4094 to 4807 assigned to “BB” are extracted by the sampling circuit 70 in step 112 of the next unit game. BB "is determined. For this reason, there is a undulation in the player's expectation for the winning of “BB” in the next unit game when “watermelon” is determined as an internal winning combination in the previous game, The fun of the game is further improved. Also, by extending the set time from the start of the previous unit game to the start of the next unit game, the player is notified that “BB” has been determined as an internal winning combination in the probability lottery process. The Further, by setting the extended time as the time for extracting the random number assigned to “BB” advantageous to the player, it is possible to give the player a great joy. In addition, in the case of a configuration in which the internal winning combination is determined solely by lottery, the determination of a specific internal winning combination (for example, “BB”) is highly contingent. When the condition is satisfied, it can be expected that the contingency is reduced by configuring so that a specific internal winning combination (for example, “BB”) is determined.

  In the above embodiment, the case where a predetermined condition is satisfied when “watermelon” is determined to be an internal winning combination has been described. However, a predetermined condition may be satisfied when another predetermined internal winning combination such as “Plum” is determined. In addition, the predetermined internal winning combination is not limited to the determination of a predetermined internal winning combination. For example, when a predetermined combination such as a bonus does not continuously win for a predetermined number of unit games and reaches the so-called ceiling, the predetermined internal winning combination is won. If it is decided by a special lottery to decide whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, if a player or a game clerk operates a predetermined button or the like, the number of medals bet on the game up to that point and the payment When a difference from the number of medals issued reaches a predetermined value, or when a predetermined gaming state such as CT (challenge time) or RT (replay time) is established, a predetermined condition is established. May be.

  In the above embodiment, in the time setting process (FIG. 10, step 117), the random number value is extracted in the previous unit game and assigned to “BB” generated in the first period (16384 × 250 μsec). The set time was extended based on the random number. However, the random number value used as the reference for the extension processing of the set time is not limited to the one generated in the first cycle after the random value was extracted in the previous unit game, but the second cycle (16384 × 250 μsec × 2) or 3 It may be generated in the nth cycle (16384 × 250 μsec × n) after the cycle (16384 × 250 μsec × 3). According to this configuration, the difference in the set time between when the predetermined condition is satisfied and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied is increased, and the undulation of the progress of the game can be further increased. Moreover, although the case where the set time is extended when the predetermined condition is satisfied has been described in the above embodiment, the set time may be shortened when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In the above embodiment, the set time is extended so that the random number value extracted by the random number sampling circuit 70 becomes a value corresponding to BB. However, the set time may be extended so that the extracted random value becomes a value corresponding to a specific combination such as a small combination such as RB or watermelon, replay, or loss. In addition, in slot machines that perform CT games, RT games, or ST (super time) games, the set time is extended so that the value corresponds to a specific role that triggers each game. Also good. In addition, the update time interval of the random number generated by the random number generator 69 is not limited to 250 μsec, and may be appropriately changed, for example, 3 μsec. In the case of a configuration in which random numbers are always extracted at the operation timing of the start lever 30, a time obtained by averaging the time intervals at which the start lever 30 has been operated in the unit game played so far is obtained, and this time is obtained as the unit game. A set time is obtained as a time interval, and when a predetermined condition is met, a random number corresponding to a specific role is extracted in the next unit game when the set time has elapsed from the operation timing of the start lever 30 in the previous unit game May be.

  Moreover, the timing which performs a time setting process (FIG. 10, step 117) is not limited to the timing in this embodiment. For example, the time setting process may be performed after the reels 2, 3, 4 stop (after “YES” in the determination in FIG. 10, step 125). In the case of such a configuration, at least according to a random number assigned to a specific internal winning combination (for example, “BB”) and a random number extracted in one unit game (here, the previous unit) An element of time elapsed from the start of the game may be included), and the set time is changed (for example, shortened or extended). In the above embodiment, 0.61025 seconds obtained according to the extracted random number and the random number 4694 assigned to the specific internal winning combination (BB) is set as the extended time of the set time of 4.096 seconds. explained. However, if the set time after the extension belongs to the random number range 4694 to 4807 assigned to the specific internal winning combination (BB), it is not necessarily 0.61025 seconds + 4.096 seconds × n. Further, the extended time may have a constant or indefinite error, and at least a specific internal winning combination (“BB”) is determined rather than at a normal time (that is, an internal winning combination is determined by lottery). The probability should be high.

  It should be noted that a value relatively close to the normal setting time of 4.1 seconds (4.096 seconds), such as 4.70625 seconds in the above-described embodiment (more specifically, “n” above) "1"), the player can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the normal time. For this reason, even if the set time is changed, even if the specific internal winning combination is not determined due to the error of the extended time, etc., it is expected that the player will not be discouraged. it can. On the other hand, when the above “n” is set to 2 or more and the difference from the normal time is relatively large, the undulation of the progress of the game can be further increased. In addition, the player can be given an expectation that a specific internal winning combination (“BB”) may be determined during that time (ie, an extended set time).

  In the above embodiment, the reel rotation process (FIG. 10, step 120) is applied as the start of the unit game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotation of the reels 2, 3, 4 is fixed. It may be applied that the speed is reached, or that the operation of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is enabled. Further, although the operation of the start lever 30 is applied as the condition for starting the unit game, the operation of the medal insertion from the medal insertion slot 8 or the operation of the stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28 may be applied.

  In addition, the production control means (for example, the sub control board 62) may be able to grasp the set time by including information for identifying the determined set time in the start command. According to such a configuration, sounds according to the set time can be output from the speakers 96, 96, or a predetermined moving image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 39, thereby improving the fun of the game. it can.

  Also, means for measuring the time elapsed since the end of the previous unit game (for example, the stop of the reels 2, 3 and 4 or the end of the winning search process), and before the set time elapses from the end of the previous unit game. When the operation unit (for example, the start lever 30) is operated, a unit for waiting for the start of the unit game until the set time elapses (for example, the game start waiting time digestion process in FIG. 9, step 111), When the condition is satisfied, for example, in a gaming machine equipped with means for changing the set time so that a specific internal winning combination (“BB”) is determined (for example, the time setting process in FIG. 10, step 117). Even if it exists, there exists a characteristic effect which this invention has.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the pachislot is described, but the present invention is applied to other gaming machines that do not start the next unit game until the set time has elapsed since the start of the previous unit game. It is also possible to apply. Moreover, although the case where it applied to a medal insertion type pachislot machine was demonstrated in the said embodiment, it can also apply to a CR (card reader) type pachislot machine. Even when the present invention is applied to such a gaming machine, the same effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pachi-slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the reel unit which constitutes the pachi-slot machine by one embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of each reel which comprises the reel unit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the symbol row drawn on the outer peripheral part of the reel shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the combination in the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention, a symbol combination, and the number of payout. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure comprised by the main control board of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure comprised by the sub control board of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the probability lottery table used for one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the outline of the game process by main CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the outline of the game processing by main CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 3rd flowchart which shows the outline of the game processing by main CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the interruption process by main CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the game process by sub CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachi slot machine 2, 3, 4 ... Reel 30 ... Start lever 30S ... Start switch 61 ... Main control board 62 ... Sub control board 63, 81 ... Microcomputer (microcomputer)
64 ... main CPU (central processing unit)
68 ... Frequency divider 69 ... Random number generator 70 ... Random number sampling circuit 82 ... Sub CPU
65, 83 ... Program ROM (read-only memory)
66, 84 ... Control RAM (Random Access Memory)

Claims (2)

Multiple reels with multiple types of symbols,
An operation unit operated by a player, a game start means for starting a unit game by rotating the plurality of reels when the operation unit is operated, and before a set time has elapsed since the start of the previous unit game When the operation unit is operated, a game start standby means for waiting for the start of a unit game by the game start means until the set time elapses, and a time change means for changing the set time when a predetermined condition is satisfied And further,
Random number updating means for periodically updating random numbers in a predetermined numerical range in a predetermined order, and when the operation unit is operated within the set time, the random number update means is updated when the set time has elapsed. A random number extracting means for extracting the random number, and a type of a role corresponding to a combination of symbols is assigned to each predetermined numerical value group in the predetermined numerical range, and the random number extracted by the random number extracting means belongs An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination as a combination assigned to the numerical group,
The plurality of reels are configured to be stopped based on a timing at which a stop operation is performed and an internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means.
The time changing unit, as a random number that is extracted when the set time has elapsed by the random number extracting means, a value belonging to the set of numbers assigned to a particular role, be relocated to the set time A gaming machine characterized by Wherein the predetermined condition is, if it is determined by extraction election, when a predetermined operation is performed, according to claim 1 or claim 2 or is characterized in that established when in a predetermined gaming state Game machines.

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