JP2002017954A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine designed to make a player clearly recognize the end of a special game condition by varying an information mode executed when a special game condition ends and inform information concerning the game in combination therewith. SOLUTION: The game machine 1 has main reels 3L, 3C and 3R variably displaying a variety of patterns, a control means determining an internal winning accessory by a random numerical value sampled for each game and stationarily controlling variable display operation of the main reels 3L, 3C and 3R on the basis of the result in determination, and a dramatization reel 23 informing information on a game. The control means computes the rate of occurrence of the special game condition during the period from a prescribed point to the end of the special game condition, when the special game condition has ended and controls the dramatization reel 23 so that the reel may carry out information in accordance with the rate.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine for controlling a game mode using a control device such as a microcomputer, and more particularly, to a mechanically rotating drive as variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols (symbols). The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a poker game machine, etc., provided with a mechanical display device including reels or an electric display device such as a liquid crystal display, an LED, and a CRT.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a gaming machine called a slot machine or a pachislot machine is a mechanically variable display device in which a plurality of rotating reels representing a plurality of symbols are arranged in a display window on the front, or on a reel. It has an electrically variable display device configured to display symbols on a screen. In response to the start operation of the player, the variable display device is driven, the symbols are variably displayed by rotating each reel, and the rotation of each reel is sequentially stopped automatically after a predetermined time or by the stop operation of the player. . At this time, if the combination of the symbols (hereinafter referred to as “stop symbols”) of the reels appearing in the display window has a predetermined winning mode (winning role), the player pays out a game medium such as a medal, a coin, and the like. To profit.

[0003] Currently mainstream models have a plurality of types of winning modes. In particular, when the stop symbol hits a predetermined winning combination, the coin is not paid out once, but for a predetermined period,
It becomes a game state (special game state) with better conditions than the "normal game state" which is a normal state. As a winning combination that generates such a special game state, there is a special increase winning (hereinafter referred to as “Big Bonus”, abbreviated as “BB”) in which a game that gives a relatively large profit to a player can be performed a predetermined number of times. In addition, what ends with one coin payout is generally referred to as a “small win”.

[0004] Further, in the current mainstream models, when the spinning reel stops, the symbols constituting the winning combination are aligned on the active line when the winning combination is won in the internal lottery of the gaming machine (specifically, At the time of winning in the lottery by random number extraction by the microcomputer). This is because if the symbol at the time of stop is determined only by the stop operation (timing) of the player, the result of the game (win / loss) is determined by the skill of the player, and only the skill of the player is emphasized, and the soundness of the game is enhanced. This is to solve the problem that the management of the payout rate and the like of coins from the gaming machine becomes difficult for the gaming machine as well as for the gaming machine.

[0005] Accordingly, even in a gaming machine (for example, a slot machine provided with a stop button) in which a player can perform a reel stop operation, a winning combination is won by an internal lottery ("internal winning").
Otherwise, no matter how the player performs the stop operation, the winning combination cannot be aligned on the activated line.

[0006] By the way, the player's interest in the game is based on how many coins can be obtained. That is, the player can obtain a large number of coins B
I am particularly interested in whether or not to win B.

[0007] Therefore, according to the pattern of blinking by the lamp provided on the front of the gaming machine or the lamp provided behind the reel, or the kind or combination of generated sounds, which winning combination was won by the internal lottery ("Internal winning") A gaming machine has been developed to notify the player of a "role". Also, gaming machines have been developed in which a reel for production that does not directly affect the game is provided in front of the gaming machine, and the internal winning combination is notified based on the operation and display contents.

[0008]

However, when a special game state is entered after winning the BB and the special game state is completed, the game machine provided with the above-mentioned effect reels and the like is provided when the special game state is completed. However, such an operation or display is not particularly performed.

[0009] For example, in the case where a reel for a production shows a "big hit" indicating the BB internal winning, and then the BB wins and enters a special game state, the display of the "big hit" is displayed until the end of the special game state. If it is maintained, the player may not notice the end of the special game state until starting the next game after the end of the special game state.

On the other hand, depending on the gaming machine, at the end of the special gaming state, the effect reel is stopped and displayed at a specific symbol, for example, the effect reel is stopped and displayed at a symbol indicating "losing". There is also. However, the symbols to be stopped and displayed at the end of the special game state are constant and do not change at all. Further, even if the end of the special game state can be notified by stopping and displaying the effect reel in a specific symbol, it does not provide information on other games.

The present invention provides a gaming machine in which the notification mode at the end of the special game state is changed so that the end of the special game state is clearly recognized and the information about the game is also notified. It is to be.

[0012]

A gaming machine according to the present invention determines an internal winning combination based on variable display means for variably displaying various symbols and a random number sampled for each game, and based on the determination result. Control means for stopping the variable display operation of the variable display means, and notification means for notifying information about the game, the control means, when the special game state ends, when the special game state ends from a predetermined time During this period, the ratio of occurrence of the special game state is calculated, and the notifying means is controlled so as to make a notification according to the ratio. Here, the predetermined time point is, for example, when the power of the gaming machine is turned on.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the notifying means includes:
It is constituted by a mechanical reel having a plurality of types of display symbols, and is notified by a symbol corresponding to the ratio of occurrence of the special game state. Further, as a more specific embodiment, the notifying unit includes:
It is provided on the upper part of the gaming machine.

The special game state is, for example, a game state in which a game that gives a player a relatively large profit can be played a predetermined number of times.

[0015]

According to the present invention, the notification means is provided at a predetermined time (for example, when the power is turned on) when the special game state ends.
To the end of the special gaming state, the notification according to the rate of occurrence of the special gaming state is performed, so that the player can determine how much of the gaming machine currently playing the game is in the special gaming state. Can be obtained.

As a specific embodiment, the notification means is constituted by a mechanical reel having a plurality of types of display symbols,
In the case of notifying with a symbol according to the rate of occurrence of the special game state, the notification means is the same kind of display means as the variable display means for displaying the symbols required for the game, so the notification means is handled in the same manner as the variable display means for the game. And the design is unified, so there is no discomfort in appearance.

In the case where a mechanical reel as a notification means is provided on the upper part of the gaming machine, the player can see the mechanical reel on another stand. That is, the player can also know the status of the game on another stand.

When the special game state is a game state in which a game that gives a relatively large profit to the player can be performed a predetermined number of times, the player generates a game state that is advantageous to himself / herself at what rate. Know what you were doing,
It can be used as a guide in predicting future game development. An example of this gaming state is a BB gaming state generated by a BB winning.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described below.

The slot machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a gaming machine for playing games using coins, medals, tokens or the like as a game medium. Hereinafter, description will be made assuming that coins are used.

A front door 2 is provided on the front of the slot machine 1, and a main panel display 2 of the front door 2 is provided.
a is provided with vertically elongated main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. Three main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R are horizontally provided on the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R.
Two winning lines 8 are provided diagonally. These winning lines connect the activation lamps 9 provided on the left and right of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. These winning lines are 1-BET switch 11, 2-BE described later.
By operating the T switch 12, the maximum -BET switch 13, or inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 5, one, three and five are activated respectively. Which winning line is activated is indicated by lighting of the activation lamp 9.

Inside the main panel display 2a, three main reels 3L, 3C and 3R are rotatably provided as variable display means. These three main reels 3L, 3C,
On each outer peripheral surface of the 3R, a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter, referred to as symbols) is drawn. The symbols on each of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are indicated on the main display window 4.
It can be observed through L, 4C and 4R.

Under the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal surface is formed. Pedestal 10
From the left side, a 1-BET switch 11 for betting only one of the coins credited by one push button operation for a game, and a 2-BET switch 12 for betting only two coins for a game. , And a maximum -BET switch 13 for betting the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game. These BEs
By operating the T switch, the predetermined pay line 8 is activated as described above. Further, a coin slot 5 is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 10.

A start lever for rotating the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R by the operation of the player and starting the variable display of the symbols in the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal portion 10. 6 is rotatably mounted within a predetermined angle range. This start lever 6
Starts one game, and the main reels 3L, 3C,
When all 3Rs have stopped, or the effect reel 23 described later
When one stops, one game ends.

At the center of the front of the pedestal 10, a rotating 3
In order to stop the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the row, respectively, three stop buttons 7L, 7C,
7R is provided. Each stop button has a built-in light source or is configured to be lit by light irradiation. Therefore, the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R can display various effects and display information by operations such as turning on, blinking, and turning off each light source.

On the left side of the start lever 6, there is provided a C / P switch 14 for switching the credit / payout of coins obtained by the player by a push operation. This C / P
By switching with the switch 14, coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid out coins are stored in the coin receiving portion 16. Behind the coin receiving portion 16, there is provided a sound transmission port 17 for outputting a sound generated from a speaker 62 (FIG. 3) housed therein as a sound generating means to the outside.

Main display window 4 in front of main panel display 2a
Above L, 4C and 4R, a horizontally long display window 2 for effect
2 are provided. Inside the effect display window 22, as an example of a notifying means, an effect reel 23 having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface is provided rotatably in the left-right direction. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the effect reel 23 can be observed through the effect display window 22.

A notification lamp 25 is provided on the right side of the right main display window 4R. In the present embodiment, the notification lamp 25
Lights when a BB is won, and lights with a predetermined probability when a BB is internally won.

Below the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, 7
Credit amount display section 18 composed of segment LEDs
And a payout number display section 19 are provided. The credit amount display unit 18 displays the number of coins currently credited. The payout number display unit 19 displays the number of coins paid out.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration in the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a main control circuit 28 and a sub-control circuit 29 as control means, and various peripheral devices (actuators) electrically connected to the control means. The main control circuit 28 controls main game processing operations of the slot machine 1, and the sub control circuit 29 controls the main control circuit 2
Based on the command (referred to as "command") transmitted by the control unit 8, the control unit controls actuators such as effect reels and speakers.

The main control circuit 28 has a main microcomputer 30 disposed on a substrate as a main component,
A circuit for random number sampling is added to this. The main microcomputer 30 includes a CPU (referred to as “main CPU”) 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM serving as a storage unit.
(Referred to as “main ROM”) 32 and RAM (referred to as “main RAM”) 33. The main CPU 31 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 and a random number sampling circuit 37 for generating random numbers to be sampled.
And are connected. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be performed in the main microcomputer 30, that is, on an operation program of the main CPU 31. In that case,
The random number generator 36 and the random number sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

In the main ROM 32 of the main microcomputer 30, the internal winning combination, that is, which winning combination has been internally won, is determined in principle by a lottery process by random number extraction performed each time the start lever 6 is operated. And a winning determination table provided in correspondence with the game state, a symbol table described later, and the like.

In the circuit of FIG. 2, the main actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the main microcomputer 30 include main reels 3L, 3C, 3
Main stepping motors 3LS, 3C for driving R to rotate
S, 3RS, activation lamp 9, credit number display 1
8, a winning and payout number display section 19, a notification lamp 25, and a hopper (including a driving section for paying out) 40 for storing coins. Further, a main motor drive circuit 44, a lamp drive circuit 45, a hopper drive circuit 47, and a display unit drive circuit 48 are connected to the main CPU 31 via an I / O port (referred to as "main I / O port") 38. .
Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the main CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

The sub-control circuit 29 controls the operation of actuators such as effect reels and speakers based on commands transmitted from the main microcomputer 30.
The configuration of the sub-control circuit 29 and the actuator controlled by the sub-control circuit 29 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the main microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal includes a inserted coin sensor 5S for detecting a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 5, a start lever 6, a start switch 6S for detecting the operation of 6, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum -BET switch 13, a C / P switch 1 for betting coins.
4. A reel stop signal circuit 46 for generating a stop signal in response to the operation of each of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R;
A main reel position detection circuit 39 that supplies a signal for detecting the position of the 3R to the main CPU 31;
When the count value of S (the number of coins paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data, there is a payout completion signal circuit 50 which generates a signal indicating the completion of coin payout. These are also connected to the main CPU 31 via the main I / O port 38.

The random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a predetermined numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. In the winning determination table stored in the main ROM 32, it is determined to which numerical range the random numbers sampled in this manner belong in each winning state.

After the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the main stepping motors 3LS, 3CS, 3RS is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33. It is. From the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are output to the main reel position detection circuit 3
9 to the main CPU 31. With the reset pulse thus obtained, the count value of the drive pulse counted in the main RAM 33 is cleared to “0”. As a result, the main reel 3 is stored in the main RAM 33.
For L, 3C, and 3R, count values corresponding to rotation positions within the range of one rotation are stored.

A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the main ROM 32 for associating the rotation positions of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R with the symbols. In this symbol table, code numbers sequentially given at every fixed rotation pitch of each reel with reference to the rotation position at which the above-mentioned reset pulse is generated, and symbols provided corresponding to each code number are shown. The symbol code is associated with the symbol code.

Further, a winning symbol combination table is stored in the main ROM 32. In this winning symbol combination table, combinations of winning symbols, the number of coin payouts of winning combinations, and winning determination codes representing the winning combinations are associated with each other. The winning symbol combination table includes a left main reel 3L and a central main reel 3
It is referred to at the time of stop control of C and the right main reel 3R and at the time of confirming a winning after stopping all main reels. The main ROM 32 also stores a program (sequence program) for executing a game in the slot machine 1.

When the internal winning combination is determined in the lottery process based on the random number sampling, the main CPU 31
Corresponds to a signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 46 when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R,
A signal is transmitted to the main motor drive circuit 44 to permit the combination of symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination to be displayed along the pay line. Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R have stopped so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is arranged along the winning line. If this determination is "YES", a payout command signal is supplied to the hopper drive circuit 47 based on the winning symbol combination table, and a predetermined number of coins are paid out from the hopper 40. At this time, the coin detecting unit 40S counts the number of coins to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the counted value reaches the designated number data, the coin payout completion signal circuit 50 sends a coin payout completion signal to the main CPU 31. Is input to This allows
The main CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 47, and ends the coin payout process.

FIG. 3 shows details of the sub-control circuit 29 and the actuator connected thereto.

The sub-control circuit 29 is disposed on a substrate different from the substrate on which the main control circuit 28 is disposed. The sub-control circuit 29 has a sub-microcomputer 51 as a main component and a driving circuit for driving an actuator. It is configured.
The sub-microcomputer 51 performs a control operation in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control circuit 28, and plays a role of a notification control unit.
2, the program ROM 53 as storage means and the control R
AM54. The sub-control circuit 29 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a random number sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on an operation program of the sub CPU 52.

The program ROM 53 of the sub-microcomputer 51 stores data (number of rotations, rotation direction, etc.) for controlling the effect reel 23 and the like.

The control RAM 54 appropriately stores data indicating the current gaming state, internal winning combination, winning combination, and the like.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 3, as an actuator whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the sub-microcomputer 51, the actuator is connected to a sub-stepping motor 23S for rotating the effect reel 23 and a power amplifier 61 as an amplifier. There is a speaker 62. Further, the sound source IC 63 and the effect motor drive circuit 64 are connected to the sub CPU 52 via the I / O port 55. These control the operation of each actuator in response to a control signal such as a drive command output from the sub CPU 52. In the present embodiment, the effect reel 23 and the speaker 62 constitute a notifying unit.

In this embodiment, the input signal necessary for the sub microcomputer 51 to generate the control signal is only the command transmitted by the main control circuit 28. Here, the command is transmitted in one direction from the main control circuit 28 to the sub control circuit 29, and is not transmitted from the sub control circuit 29 to the main control circuit 28. That is, the sub control circuit 2
9 does not transmit data to the main control circuit 28.

After the rotation of the effect reel 23 starts, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the sub-stepping motors 23S is counted, and the counted value is written to a predetermined area of the control RAM 54. A reset pulse is obtained from the effect reel 23 for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the sub CPU 52 via the effect reel position detection circuit 66. With the reset pulse thus obtained, the count value of the drive pulse counted in the control RAM 54 is cleared to “0”. Thereby, the count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation of the effect reel 23 is stored in the control RAM 54.

A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the program ROM 53 for associating the rotation position of the effect reel 23 with the symbols as described above. In this symbol table, the effect reel 23 is determined based on the rotation position at which the reset pulse is generated.
The code numbers sequentially assigned for each of the predetermined rotation pitches are associated with a symbol code indicating a symbol provided corresponding to each code number.

FIG. 4 shows a symbol row in which a plurality of 21 types of symbols represented on each of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is represented by each main reel 3L, 3
"1" sequentially given for each constant rotation pitch of C and 3R
To "21". Each of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is driven to rotate so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

In the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, a player can play a game in various game states described below.

"BB game state" as a special game state
The (big bonus game state) is the most advantageous game state for the player, and along the winning line activated as described above (hereinafter referred to as “effective winning line”), “Red 7” is displayed.
This is caused by the arrangement of (symbol 71 in FIG. 4) -red 7-red 7 "or" white 7 (symbol 72 in FIG. 4) -white 7-white 7 "(hereinafter referred to as" BB winning "). The BB gaming state includes a gaming state (hereinafter, referred to as a “BB general gaming state”) in which there is a possibility of winning “RB gaming state” and “small win” described below. In the "BB gaming state"
The “RB gaming state” occurs at most twice. Also, "BB
In the "general game state", the game can be played, for example, up to 30 times.

The “RB gaming state” (regular bonus gaming state) is “PAINT (symbol 73 in FIG. 4) − along the activated pay line in the“ BB general gaming state ”.
PAINT-PAINT "(hereinafter referred to as" RB prize "). This "RB gaming state"
Is a predetermined symbol combination "PAINT-PAINT-
PAINT "and a bonus game (called a JAC game) in which 15 coins can be obtained. In the" RB gaming state ", for example, a maximum of 12 JAC games can be played, and Is eight times, for example.

The replay (replay) is “BB game state”
"PAINT-PAINT-
PAINT "is generated by lining up along the activated pay line. When a" replay "winning occurs, the same number of coins as the number of coins inserted is automatically inserted, so that the player does not consume coins. You can play games.

"Potato (symbol 74 in FIG. 4) -potato-potato" or "skateboard (symbol 7 in FIG. 4)
5)-Skateboard-Skateboard "is lined up along the activated pay line, resulting in a" potato small win "or a" skateboard small win ". 7 coins will be paid out when the player wins the small potato prize. Seven coins are paid out when the "skateboarding small part prize" is won.

"Paint Boy Top (symbol 7 in FIG. 4)
6) -Paint Boy Up-Paint Boy Up "is displayed in the lower part of the left main display window 4L, resulting in" Paint Boy Small Winning ". In addition, "Paintboy lower (symbol 77 in FIG. 4) -Paintboy lower-Paintboy lower" is displayed in the lower part of the left main display window 4L, so that "Paintboy lower win". One coin will be paid out when the “prize for small role on Paint Boy” is reached. 7 coins will be paid out when the player wins a small role under Paint Boy.

In the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, the gaming state includes a "BB general gaming state", an "RB gaming state", and a "general gaming state" which is a normal gaming state other than these gaming states. Here, "General gaming state"
In, "BB", "replay" and "small win" can be internally won and won. In addition, in the “general game state”, when “BB” is internally won, a winning determination table different from that referred to in the normal general game state is referred to, and in addition to the internal win of “BB”, “replay” is performed. Internal winning of "game" and "small role" is possible.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the six reels displayed on the effect reel 23.
8 symbols (“PAINTBOY” 80, “Potato spray” 81, “P mark” 82, “Skateboard spray” 83, “Paint you” 84, “Blue paint” 8
5 shows a symbol sequence consisting of 5). Each symbol is
It is provided corresponding to any one of the code numbers “1” to “21” which are sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of the effect reel 23.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, "PAINTBO
The code number corresponding to “Y” 80 is “3”, the code number corresponding to “potato spray” 81 is “8”,
The code number corresponding to the “P mark” 82 is “1”.
The code number corresponding to “0” and “skateboard spray” 83 is “12”, the code number corresponding to “Paint-kun” 84 is “16”, and the code number corresponding to “blue paint” 85 is “20”. .

The effect reel 23 is driven to rotate in the effect display window 22 so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure, ie, leftward as “forward rotation” or rightward as “reverse rotation”. Is done.

The production reel 23 is operated when the start lever 6 is operated, when the first stop operation is performed (when the stop button is pressed first), when the second stop operation is performed (when the stop button is pressed second), Alternatively, the rotation driving is started at any timing of the third stop operation (the third push operation of the stop button). The timing of starting the rotation drive is determined by the sub CPU
It is determined by the random number lottery at 52, and the degree of expectation for the game result changes according to the determined timing.

The stop mode when the rotation of the effect reel 23 is stopped, that is, the effect display window 2
The internal winning combination is notified according to the type of the symbol stopped and displayed in 2.

For example, when “PAINTBOY” 80 is stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22, BB or RB
And the effect reel 23 is kept stopped until a BB or RB is won. When the “potato spray” 81 is stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22, it is notified that “the small part of potato” has been elected internally, and the “skateboard spray” 83 is displayed in the effect display window 22. Is displayed, the fact that the internal prize has been won is notified to the "skateboard small role".
When “Paint-kun” 84 is stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22, it is notified that the “winner in Paintboy” or “lower paintboy” has been internally won. When “blue paint” 85 is stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22, it is notified that “re-game” has been internally won.

In addition, after the third stop in the game in which the BB gaming state ends, the rotational drive of the effect reel 23 is always performed. Then, the symbol on the effect reel 23 displayed in the effect display window 22 when the rotation drive is stopped indicates information on the BB game. In particular,
Based on the type of the symbols stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22, the rate at which the BB gaming state has occurred (hereinafter, referred to as “BB winning rate”) is notified.

FIG. 6 shows the BB winning ratio and the effect display window 22.
Shows the relationship with the type of the symbol on the effect reel 23 which is stopped and displayed in the box. FIG. 6 also shows a display mode when each symbol indicating the BB winning ratio is stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22.

When the BB winning ratio is low, ie, less than 1/300, the “potato spray” 81 on the effect reel 23 is stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22 at the end of the BB gaming state. BB winning ratio is "1/300 or more, 1/20
If it is "less than 0", the "paint-kun" 84 on the effect reel 23 is displayed on the effect display window 22 at the end of the BB gaming state.
Stopped in the display. When the BB winning ratio is high at 1/200 or more, at the end of the BB gaming state, the production reel 23
The above “PAINTBOY” 80 is stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22.

The BB winning ratio is a value obtained by dividing the number of occurrences of the BB gaming state by the number of games in the general gaming state. Sub C
In the PU 52, the number of occurrences of the BB gaming state and the number of games in the general gaming state are always counted, and the BB winning ratio is calculated at the end of the BB gaming state. For details, see FIG.
This will be described later with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show the procedure of processing (main processing) performed by the main control circuit 28. FIG.

First, as shown in FIG.
Immediately after the power is turned on, the initialization at the start of the game (deletion of the data stored in the main RAM 33, the initialization of the communication data) is first performed (ST1). The data stored in the main RAM 33 is erased (ST2).

Next, whether there is a request for automatic insertion of coins,
That is, the presence or absence of an input from any of the 1-BET switch 11, the 2-BET switch 12, or the maximum BET switch 13 is confirmed (ST3). When these inputs are confirmed (when "YES" in ST3), the coins for the insertion request are automatically inserted (ST5), and when the inputs are not confirmed (when "NO" in ST3), the coins are inserted. It waits for a coin to be inserted from the mouth 5 (ST4). If the insertion of the coin is confirmed ("YES" in ST4), subsequently, the presence or absence of an input from the start switch 6S is confirmed (ST6).

If the input from the start switch 6S is confirmed ("YES" in ST6), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4.1 seconds in this example) has elapsed from the start of the previous game (ST7). If "YES", a random value to be used in the "probability lottery process" is extracted (ST9), and if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the last game started ("N" in ST7).
O ") waits for a predetermined time to elapse (ST8), and returns to ST9.
Move on to processing. Then, a one-game monitoring timer for monitoring the time of one game is set (ST10).

Subsequently, the process proceeds to ST11 in FIG. 8 to perform a "probability lottery process". In the “probability lottery process”, the ST
9 by comparing the random number value extracted in the processing of step 9 with the winning probability table stored in the main ROM 32.
The internal winning combination or loss of any of B, RB and various small combinations is determined.

Subsequently, a "game start command" for notifying the sub-control circuit of the start of the game process is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 29.
(ST12). In addition, "game start command"
The information includes a current gaming state, designation information corresponding to the gaming state, and a lottery result (internal winning combination or loss) in the probability lottery process.

After transmitting the "game start command", the main reel 3
The rotation driving of L, 3C, 3R is started. After that, the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are controlled to stop according to the pressing operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R by the player. That is, if there is a pressing operation of the left stop button 7L by the player, the left reel 3L is stopped and controlled accordingly, and if there is a pressing operation of the middle stop button 7C, the middle reel 3C is stopped and controlled accordingly. If the right stop button 7R is pressed, the right reel 3R is controlled to stop accordingly.

The three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R
Is performed one by one at the discretion of the player. Here, the first push operation by the player is referred to as “first stop operation”, the second push operation is referred to as “second stop operation”, and the third push operation is referred to as “third stop operation”. The reel whose stop is controlled first is referred to as a "first stop reel", the reel whose second stop is controlled is referred to as a "second stop reel", and the reel whose stop is controlled last is referred to as a "third stop reel".

If an input signal from any of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is confirmed ("YES" in ST13),
Moving to the process of ST15, when an input signal from any of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is not confirmed (ST13
Is "NO", it is confirmed that the automatic stop timer has become "0"("YES" in ST14), and ST15
Move on to processing.

In the process of ST15, the number of sliding frames of the reel is determined according to the internal winning combination determined in the probability lottery process (ST11), the rotation position of the reel requested to be stopped, the timing of pressing the stop button, and the like. (ST15)
Based on the determined number of sliding frames, stop control is performed on the reel requested to be stopped (ST16).

After the stop control of ST16 is performed, it is confirmed whether all reels have been stopped (ST17), and "NO" is determined.
If so, the process returns to ST13, and if "YES",
Subsequently, the process proceeds to ST18 in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 9, in ST18, the manner of stopping each of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is determined by the probability lottery process (ST18).
A search is performed to determine whether or not the winning combination of the internal winning combination determined in 11) matches (a winning combination), and if it matches, a winning flag indicating the winning combination is stored in the main RAM 3.
3 is stored. This winning flag is normally
3 (“YES” in ST19), ST
21 and the winning flag is normally set in the main RAM 3.
3 (“NO” in ST19),
"Illegal error" is displayed (ST20).

At ST21, a "winning command" for notifying the sub control circuit of the winning combination is transmitted to the sub control circuit 29 (ST21).

Subsequently, coin credit and payout are performed according to the winning flag and the game state (ST2).
2).

When the gaming state is either the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state (“YE” in ST22)
S "), if the player is in the BB gaming state, it is checked whether one of the end conditions of" the maximum number of RBs that can be generated "or" the number of possible BB general games "is satisfied, and if the player is in the RB gaming state, "RB game winning number" or "R
It is checked whether or not any of the end conditions of “the number of possible games B” is satisfied (ST24). This ST24
In, when the end condition of BB is satisfied (ST
25 "YES"), the main RA at the end of the BB gaming state
The contents stored in M33 are erased (ST26), and a coin clearing operation and a game stopping operation are performed (ST27).

Then, a "BB end command" for notifying the sub-control circuit that the BB gaming state has ended is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 29 (ST28).

FIG. 10 shows the procedure of the “command interrupt management process” performed each time a command is received from the main control circuit 28 in the sub control circuit 29.

In the "command interrupt management process", a command transmitted from the main control circuit 28 is received (ST3).
0), and stores the received command in the control RAM 54 (ST31). Then, a command reception standby state is set (ST32).

In the sub-control circuit 29, each time a command is stored in the control RAM 54 by the "command interrupt management process", a process corresponding to the command is executed.

FIG. 11 shows a procedure of processing performed by the sub-control circuit 29 when the "game start command" is stored in the control RAM 54.

Here, first, the current game state is determined from the information specified in the "game start command" (ST4).
0). Here, when not in the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state, that is, in the general gaming state (ST4)
If “0” is “NO”, the general game counter in the sub CPU 52 is incremented by one (+1). The general game frequency counter is a counter for counting the number of games in the general game state (referred to as “general game frequency”).

FIG. 12 shows a procedure of processing performed when the "winning command" is stored in the control RAM 54.

Here, first, it is determined whether any of the winning combinations has been won or lost (ST5).
0). Here, when one of the winning combinations is won (ST
If "YES" at 50), it is determined whether or not a BB has been won (ST51). Here, when the BB is won (“YES” in ST50), the sub CPU 52
Is incremented by 1 (+1) (ST).
52). The BB operation number counter is a counter for counting the number of occurrences of the BB gaming state (referred to as “BB operation number”). Then, the sub CPU 52 controls the sound source IC to output the payout sound from the speaker 62 (ST53).

FIG. 13 shows a procedure of processing performed when a “BB end command” is stored in the control RAM 54.

Here, first, as a symbol to be stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22, "potato spray" 81
Is set in a predetermined area of the control RAM (ST60).

Next, whether the count value of the general game number counter in the sub CPU 52 is a normal value, that is,
It is determined whether it is not “0” (ST61). Here, the count value of the general game number counter is “0” (ST
In the case of “NO” at 61), the sub CPU 52 controls the motor drive circuit for effect so as to execute the operation of the effect reel 23 to stop and display the “potato spray” 81 set at ST 60 (see FIG. ST68).

If the count value of the general game number counter is not "0"("YES" in ST61), subsequently, it is determined whether the count value of the BB operation number counter in the sub CPU 52 is a normal value, that is, "0". Is determined (ST62). Here, when the count value of the BB operation number counter is "0"("NO" in ST62), the operation of the effect reel 23 is stopped and displayed by the "potato spray" 81 set in ST60. To this end, the sub CPU 52 controls the effect motor drive circuit (ST68).

If the count value of the BB operation number counter is not "0"("YES" in ST62), the BB winning ratio is calculated from the count values of the general game number counter and the BB operation number counter (ST63).

Subsequently, the calculated BB winning ratio is “1 /
It is determined whether it is less than 300 ”(ST64), and“ 1/3 ”
00 ”(“ YES ”in ST64), the above S
The sub CPU 52 controls the effect motor drive circuit to execute the operation of the effect reel 23 to stop and display the “potato spray” 81 set in T60 (ST).
68).

On the other hand, the calculated BB winning ratio is “1/3”
In the case of “00” or more (“NO” in ST64), ST60 is used as a symbol to be stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22.
In place of the "potato spray" 81 set in the above, "paint-kun" 84 is set in a predetermined area of the control RAM (ST65).

Subsequently, the calculated BB winning ratio is "1/1 /
It is determined whether it is less than 200 "(ST66), and" 1/2 "
00 ”(“ YES ”in ST66), the above S
In order to execute the operation of the effect reel 23 such that the stop is displayed at "Paint-kun" 84 set at T65, the sub C
The PU 52 controls the effect motor drive circuit (ST6).
8).

On the other hand, when the calculated BB winning ratio is “1/2”
In the case of “00” or more (“NO” in ST66), ST65 is used as a symbol to be stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22.
Instead of "Paint-kun" 84 set in "PAI"
NTBOY "80 is set in a predetermined area of the control RAM (ST67), and the set" PAINTBO "is set.
The sub CPU 52 controls the effect motor drive circuit in order to execute the operation of the effect reel 23 to stop and display at Y "80 (ST68).

As described above, if the effect reel 23 is operated after the end of the BB game, the player can clearly recognize the end of the BB game state. Further, the BB winning ratio is notified by the type of the symbol stopped and displayed in the effect display window 22 after the end of the BB game, so that the player
It is possible to easily know the status of the game that has been performed so far.

Further, since the effect display window 22 is located above the slot machine 1, the player can easily see the display contents of the effect display window 22 of another stand. This allows the player to know the status of the game on another stand.

Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as mechanical variable display means, an electric display device such as a liquid crystal display, an LED, a CRT, or the like is provided on the main panel display unit 2a of the slot machine 1, and the main reels 3L, The operations of 3C and 3R may be displayed in a pseudo manner.

Also, for the moving object, the effect reel 2
Liquid crystal, LED, C instead of mechanical reel like 3
Electric display means such as an RT may be used. Further, as the moving object, for example, a doll or a model of an airplane or the like may be provided for notifying which winning combination has been internally won by limb movement.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a slot machine of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration used in the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a configuration of a sub control circuit used in the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a symbol array arranged on three main reels.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a symbol array arranged on a presentation reel.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between a BB winning ratio and a mode of stopping a production reel.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process performed by a main control circuit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a command interrupt management process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by a sub control circuit when a game start command is received.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by a sub control circuit when a winning combination command is received.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by a sub control circuit when a BB end command is received.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Slot machine, 2. Front door, 3L, 3C,
3R: Main reel, 3LS, 3CS, 3RS: Main stepping motor, 4L, 4C, 4R: Main display window, 5: Coin slot, 5S: Coin sensor, 6: Start lever, 6S: Start switch, 7L, 7C , 7R: stop button, 8: winning line, 9: activation lamp, 10: pedestal, 11: 1-BET switch, 12: 2-BET switch, 13: maximum-BET switch, 14: C / P switch, 15 ... Coin payout exit, 16 ... Coin receiving part, 1
Reference numeral 7: sound-transmitting opening, 18: credit number display section, 19: winning award number display section, 22: effect display window, 23: effect reel, 23S: substepping motor, 25: notification lamp, 28: main control circuit , 29 ... Sub-control circuit, 30 ... Main microcomputer, 51 ... Sub microcomputer.

Claims (5)

[Claims] A variable display means for variably displaying various symbols; an internal winning combination determined by a random number sampled for each game; and a variable display operation of the variable display means being stopped based on a result of the determination. Control means, and a notifying means for notifying information about the game, the control means, when the special game state ends, the special game state during a period from a predetermined time to the end of the special game state A gaming machine, wherein a rate of occurrence is calculated, and the notifying unit is controlled so as to make a notification according to the rate. 2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined time is a time when a power supply is turned on. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said notifying means is constituted by a mechanical reel having a plurality of types of display symbols, and notifies with a symbol corresponding to said ratio. Gaming machine. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein said mechanical reel is provided on an upper part of the gaming machine. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the special gaming state is a gaming state in which a game that gives a relatively large profit to a player can be performed a predetermined number of times. A gaming machine.