JP2002360767A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem as proneness to the negligence of confirmation in the conventional game machine when checking the frequency of trapping, which so far requires button operations and checking operations. SOLUTION: A game sound 1 at a level of 16 as maximum volume is emitted until the frequency of game after the end of a bonus game reaches 30 and when the frequency of game exceeds 30, the sound volume is lowered by one level to emit the game sound 1 at the level of 15. Thereafter, likewise, each time the frequency of game is counted to reach 30, the emitted sound is lowered by one level and when the frequency reaches 420, the volume of the game sound 1 comes down to the minimum level of 1. Furthermore, when the frequency reaches 450, the game sound emitted thereafter is switched to the game sound 2 at the maximum level of 16 and the game sound 2 is emitted continually. Thus, the volume of the game sound 1 enables rough determination of the frequency of trapping and the game sound 2 facilitates the recognition of the trapping growing deeper.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine having sound output means for outputting a sound depending on the state of the game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as such a gaming machine, for example, there is a slot machine. In a conventional slot machine, the internal random winning mode is determined by comparing the extracted random number value with data in a predetermined probability lottery table. The prize given to the player in accordance with the probability lottery result has various modes which are roughly classified into a small hit, a medium hit, and a big hit. These various payout winning modes occur when a predetermined symbol corresponding to a general game is aligned with a winning line.

When a small hit prize is generated, a predetermined number of medals are paid out. In addition, when a medium winning prize called a regular bonus game (hereinafter referred to as an RB game) occurs, a high payout game in which a high payout is awarded is set to one.
Can be performed multiple times. In addition, when a big hit called a big bonus game (hereinafter referred to as a BB game) occurs, a small win prize occurs at a high probability in the BB general game and a BB general game occurs during the BB general game. A set with the above high payout game (RB game) in which a high payout is awarded can be performed a plurality of times.

In bonus games such as the regular bonus game and the big bonus game, a player can usually acquire a large amount of medals, but the probability of winning each bonus game in the above-described probability lottery is low. For this reason, even if the number of games is repeated, a state called “hamari” where a bonus game does not easily occur may occur. In such a humble state, the number of times of the general game may reach a considerably large number of times, and it is difficult for the player to accurately grasp the number of times of the halt. In conventional slot machines, as a guide to determine whether the game console is in such a humid state or whether it is performing well, the number of games of the general game since the end of the previous bonus game is provided on the panel of the game console. There is a liquid crystal display that is displayed on the display or a display that is provided separately on the upper part of the game console.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional slot machine, various game information is displayed on a liquid crystal display provided for each game console.
When confirming the number of times of hammering, a predetermined button operation for selectively displaying a display screen of the number of times of hammering must be performed. Therefore, confirmation is troublesome, and confirmation of the number of times of hammering tends to be neglected. In addition, a dedicated display provided separately from the gaming table requires the player to raise his / her face and consciously carry his or her line of sight toward the display when checking the number of times of rehabilitation. Therefore, also in this case, it takes time to confirm,
It was easy to forget to check the number of times.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a prize mode determining means for determining a prize mode by random number drawing, and a predetermined prize mode by the prize mode determination means. Is determined in the game processing control means for performing a bonus game, and a sound output means for outputting a sound according to the state of the game machine, the number of games after the end of the bonus game, A game number counter for counting is provided, and the sound output means outputs a sound at a volume corresponding to the count value of the game number counter (claim 1).

[0007] In such a configuration, as the number of games after the end of the bonus game increases, for example, a continuous sound (claim 5) produced by the sound producing means, or a game operation produced in accordance with the game processing. The volume of a sound such as a sound cutoff (claim 6) changes. For example, the sound volume is reduced stepwise at every predetermined count value of the game number counter (claim 3). Therefore, by identifying the volume of the sound to be emitted,
It is possible to know the approximate number of games from the end of the bonus game to the present.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the sound output means changes the type of sound output when the count value of the game number counter reaches a predetermined value (claim 2).

In such a configuration, when the number of games after the end of the bonus game exceeds a predetermined number, a different type of sound from the sound that has been output up to that time is output, for example, at the maximum volume. (Claim 4). Therefore, the player can distinguish between a sound output when the number of games after the end of the bonus game does not reach the predetermined number of times and a sound output after the number of games reaches the predetermined number of times. The degree of the slippage can be easily recognized.

[0010]

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

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

At the center of the main body of the slot machine 1, three reels 2, 3, and 4 constituting a variable display section are rotatably provided. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4, a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter, referred to as symbols) is drawn. These symbols are slot machine 1
Are observed through the display windows 5, 6, and 7 in front of the camera. These display windows 5, 6, 7 have three horizontal and two diagonal
A total of five pay lines are provided. On the lower right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a medal insertion slot 8 for a player to insert a medal is provided.

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

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

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

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

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

A medal tray 34 is provided at the lower front of the slot machine 1. The medal tray 34 stores medals paid out from a medal payout exit 35. In addition, a payout display section 36 is provided at the upper front part of the slot machine 1 to indicate how many medals are paid out for winning. Speakers 96 for outputting game sounds, performance sounds, and the like are provided on the left and right sides of the payout display section 36.
96 are provided.

FIG. 3 shows symbol arrays drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 2, 3, and 4. Each symbol row is configured by arranging a plurality of 21 types of symbols, and the first reel 2, the second reel 3, the third reel 4
It corresponds to. Each symbol is assigned a code number of "1 to 21", and each of the reels 2, 3, and 4 is driven to rotate so that the symbol row moves downward in the figure.

The types of the symbols are "seven" consisting of the numeral 7, an upper half semicircular "upper glove" consisting of a boxing glove picture, and a lower half semicircular "upper half" consisting of a boxing glove picture. There are seven types: "lower glove", "punching ball" used for boxing practice, "gong" sounded at the start and end of a boxing round, "revenge" consisting of English letters, and "cherry". Symbol "upper glove" and symbol "lower glove"
Form a new symbol "KO punch" by combining up and down with a character "KO!" In the center.

The symbols "seven", "upper glove", and "lower glove" constitute a specific symbol for generating a bonus winning game. The widths of these symbols are larger in the width direction of the reel band than the widths of the other symbols, and are drawn with a larger area as a whole. Therefore, these symbols are configured to be more easily recognized by the player than other symbols.

Each of the reels 2 to 4 is configured as a rotating reel unit shown in FIG. 4, and is attached to the frame 41 via a bracket 42. Each reel 2
Nos. 4 to 4 are configured by attaching a reel band 44 to the outer periphery of the reel drum 43. The above symbol array is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel band 44. Further, each bracket 42 is provided with a stepping motor 45 and each reel 2
These motors 45 are driven to rotate.

The structure of each of the reels 2 to 4 is shown in FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. A lamp case 46 is provided inside the reel drum 43 behind the reel band 44, and back lamps 47a, 47b, and 47c are attached to three rooms of the lamp case 46, respectively. These back lamps 47a to 47c are mounted on a board 48 as shown in FIG. 3B, and the board 48 is mounted behind the lamp case 46. A photo sensor 49 is attached to the bracket 42. The photo sensor 49 is mounted on the reel drum 4
3 detects that the shielding plate 50 provided through the photosensor 49 passes with the rotation of the reel drum 43.

The lighting of each of the back lamps 47a to 47c is controlled by a lamp driving circuit described later. By turning on each of the back lamps 47a to 47c, of the symbols drawn on the reel band 44, three symbols located at the front of each back lamp 47 are individually illuminated from behind, and each of the display windows 5 to 7 is displayed. 3 symbols are projected on each.

FIG. 6 is a table showing a winning symbol combination predetermined in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.
Is shown in Symbol "Seven", "Upper Glove"
And "Lower Glove" are activated 3
When 15 pieces of medals are paid out when they are collected, BB
(Big bonus) game is executed. Also, B.
At the time of the general game during the B game, if these three symbols are aligned on the activated prize line, a small hit prize is won and 1
Five medals will be paid out.

At the time of a general game, a combination of the symbols "upper glove"-"upper glove"-"seven" or a combination of the symbols "lower glove"-"lower glove"-"seven" is aligned with the activated prize line. After the 15 and the 15 medals are paid out, the RB (regular bonus) game is executed. Further, when these symbol combinations are aligned with the activated pay line at the time of the general game during the BB game, a small hit prize is won, and 15 medals are paid out respectively.

In addition, at the time of a general game, if three symbols “punching ball” and “gong” are respectively aligned on the activated prize line, a small hit prize is won and twelve and eight medals are paid out. Even if three of these symbols are aligned on the activated prize line during a general game during the game, a small hit prize is won, and twelve or eight medals are paid out similarly.

In addition, at the time of a general game, the symbol "Revenge"
Is replayed when three are on the activated winning line, and there is no payout of medals, but one more game can be played without inserting medals. When three symbols "Revenge" are activated at the time of a general game during the B / B game, eight medals are paid out when three symbols are aligned on the winning line, and the game state shifts from the general game during the B / B game to the bonus game. . The three combinations of the symbol “revenge” are also combinations in which the jackpot game wins in the jackpot game during the bonus game. This jack game is a game in which a combination of "revenge"-"revenge"-"revenge" is arranged on the center pay line L1 at the time of the bonus game.

Further, when one symbol "Cherry" stops on the activated pay line of the first reel 3 during a general game, a small hit prize is paid out and two medals are paid out.
Even if this one symbol is stopped on the activated winning line of the first reel 3 during a general game in the B game, a small hit is won and two medals are paid out.

The symbols "upper glove" and "lower glove" indicate that when one symbol is stopped on the activated pay line of the first reel 3, no medals are paid out during a general game, but during the BB game. When this one symbol stops on the activated pay line of the first reel 3 during the general game, five medals are paid out.

Next, the above-mentioned (1) general game, (2) R
The outline of the B game and (3) the BB game will be described.

(1) General Game At the time of a general game, three symbol combinations of the symbols "punching ball" and "gong" are arranged on a winning line, or one symbol "cherry" is awarded on the first reel. When the player stops at the line, a small hit prize is won, and the above-mentioned payouts are paid out to the player, thereby completing one game. Further, when the combination of the three symbols of the symbol “Revenge” is aligned with the winning line, the game can be performed again without inserting a medal. If the symbol combination arranged on the pay line does not correspond to any of the payout tables shown in FIG. 6, the result is "losing" (no payout). In addition, when three symbol combinations of the symbols “Seven”, “Upper Glove”, or “Lower Glove” are aligned on the pay line, after the above-mentioned number of medals are paid out, a plurality of high payout games are collected. To the following BB (big hit) game. In addition, when the symbol combination consisting of two symbols “upper glove” and “seven” or the symbol combination consisting of two symbols “lower glove” and “seven” are aligned on the winning line, the above-mentioned number of medals are paid out. After being issued, 1
The game shifts to the following RB (medium hit) game in which a number of high payout games can be performed.

(2) RB Game The RB game occurs when the above symbol combinations are arranged on a pay line during a general game. In the RB game, a game called a jackal game with one medal can be performed a plurality of times. In this jack game, when three combinations of the symbol "revenge" are arranged on the winning line L1, a jack game winning is generated, and eight medals are paid out. "Gaps" also occur in jack games,
Jack game winning occurs with a high probability of about 9/10. The RB game is terminated when, for example, a jackpot prize is generated eight times, or when the total number of jackgames executed during the RB game reaches, for example, twelve.

(3) BB Game The BB game is composed of a set of the above-mentioned RB game and general game a plurality of times (two times in this embodiment). When the BB game occurs, first, a general game is executed. In the general game during this BB game, "out" also occurs, but the small hits of three symbols "seven", "upper glove", and "lower glove", "punching ball", "gong"","Cherry"
Is generated with a higher probability than during a general game other than during the BB game. Further, in the general game during the BB game, a small hit by one symbol “upper glove” and “lower glove” that does not occur in the above-described general game also occurs.

When three combinations of the symbol "revenge" are arranged during a general game in the BB game, eight coins are paid out.

Thereafter, the process shifts to a bonus game which is an RB game in which a plurality of jack games can be performed. Also in the bonus game in the BB game, for example, jack game winning is generated eight times or the total number of jack games executed during the bonus game is, for example, 12
It ends when the number of times is reached.

When the above-mentioned bonus game is completed, the above-described general game in the BB game is performed again. If the above-described symbol combination occurs during the general game, the bonus game described above is further performed. The game is played. The BB game is a repetition of a set of a series of general games and bonus games described above, and the BB game ends when this set is performed a predetermined number of times, for example, twice. However, during the BB game, even if the total number of games in the general game state described above and in other words, the total number of games excluding the number of jack games in the above bonus game exceeds a predetermined number of times, for example, 30 times, , The BB game ends.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a circuit configuration of the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62 for controlling the game processing operation of the slot machine 1 described above.

The control unit in the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 7 is a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer).
63 is a main component, and a circuit for sampling random numbers is added thereto. The microcomputer 63 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 64 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a program ROM (read only memory) that is a program storage unit.
65 and a control RAM (random access memory) 66 with a backup function.
The CPU 64 includes a clock pulse generating circuit 67 for generating a reference clock pulse and a frequency divider 68, a random number generator 69 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a 1 for the generated random number.
A random number sampling circuit 70 for specifying one is connected. Further, an I / O port 71 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a peripheral device (actuator) described later is connected. In the program ROM 65, storage units are divided so as to store a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and a sequence program. The contents of these tables will be described later.

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

The main actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 63 include a stepping motor 45 for rotating and driving the reels 2, 3, and 4, various lamps (game operation display lamps 13 to 15, a start lamp 17). , WIN lamp 19, insert lamp 2
1) Various display units (chance LEDs 9 to 12, stored number display unit 16, bonus count display unit 18, winning award number display unit 20), and hopper 72 for storing medals
There is. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 7
3 to 76 are connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71 of the microcomputer 63.

The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal includes a medal sensor 8S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal slot 8 and a start lever. There is a start switch 30S for detecting the operation of the stored medals 30, the stored medal insertion switches 25 to 27, and the stored medal settlement switch 29 described above. Further, there is provided a reel position detecting circuit 77 which receives the output pulse signal from the photosensor 49 and detects the rotational position of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4. The photo sensor 49 is included in the drive mechanism of each of the reels 2 to 4, and is not shown in FIG.

The reel position detecting circuit 77 includes reels 2 to 4
Is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45 is counted, and the counted value is calculated as R
Write to a predetermined area of AM66. Therefore, the RAM 66
In the table, the count values corresponding to the rotation positions within the range of one rotation are stored for each of the reels 2 to 4. The photo sensor 49 detects the shielding plate 50 every time each of the reels 2 to 4 makes one rotation, and generates a reset pulse. This reset pulse is output to the CP via the reel position detection circuit 77.
The count value of the drive pulse supplied to U64 and counted in the RAM 66 is cleared to "0". By this clearing process, a shift generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 45 is eliminated for each rotation.

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

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

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

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

The I / O port 87 has an image control IC.
(Highly integrated circuit) 90 and a sound source IC 91 are connected. The image control IC 90 is connected to a character ROM 92 storing character data and a video RAM 93 serving as a memory for displaying a color display.
An image is displayed on the inch liquid crystal display device 22. As described later, the microcomputer 81 captures game start information such as the game state and the type of the winning flag at that time from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88,
An image effect pattern to be displayed is selected based on the captured game start information. Then, the image control IC 90 is controlled to display the selected pattern on the liquid crystal display device 22.
The liquid crystal display device 22 includes a cross key 23, an A button 2
By operating the 4 and B buttons 25, it is also possible to display information desired by the player.

A sound ROM 94 in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 91, and the sound source IC 91 emits various sounds from the speakers 96, 96 via the power amplifier 95 under the control of the microcomputer 81. Let it sound. That is, as described later, the microcomputer 81
The main control board 6 via the main control unit communication port 88
In accordance with an instruction input from step 1, the sound source IC 91 and the power amplifier 95 are controlled, and a sound is output according to game processing such as a medal insertion sound, a start lever operation sound, a stop button operation sound, and a game sound during a bonus game. Sound effects and effect sounds are output from the speakers 96 and 96. here,
Sound source IC 91, sound ROM 94, power amplifier 9
5. The speakers 96, 96 and the microcomputer 81 constitute sound output means for outputting sound according to the state of the gaming machine.

FIG. 9 conceptually shows a winning probability table stored in the ROM 65 of the main control board 61 and used in the normal gaming state. This winning probability table is
A random number generator 69 is used to divide the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 70 during the general game into each winning combination.
The data for partitioning a certain range of random numbers generated in the above into each winning combination is stored. A1 to a3, b1 to b in FIG.
3, c1 to c3, d1 to d3, e1 to e3, f1 to f3
Is preset numerical data, which is used when the random number extracted by the sampling circuit 70 is divided into each winning combination. This data uses a combination of numerical values of “a1 to f1” when the number of inserted medals is one, “a2 to f2” for two, and “a3 to f3” for three. Can be

These numerical values are usually expressed as “a <b <c <d <e <
f ”, and if the extracted random number value is less than c, a small hit prize (small hit) is obtained. In this case,
If it is less than a, a request flag for “cherry” is set. If it is more than a and less than b, a request flag for “gong” is set. If it is more than b and less than c, a request flag for “punching ball” is set. If the extracted random number value is equal to or more than c and less than d, a request flag for “re-game” is set. If the extracted random number value is equal to or more than d and less than e, a medium hit prize (medium hit) is set and a request flag for “RB” is set, and if the extracted random number value is equal to or more than e and less than f, a big hit prize ( A big hit) and a request flag for “BB” is set. In addition, if it is f or more, it is "out" without winning.

In other words, the winning combination is the sampled 1
The value range is determined by which random number value belongs to which numerical range, and is represented by a hit request flag. Here, the random number generator 69, the sampling circuit 70, the winning probability table, and the microcomputer 63 constitute a winning mode determining means for determining a winning mode by random number lottery. In addition, the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62 provide a bonus game “BB game” or “RB game” in accordance with a predetermined winning mode “BB” or “RB” being determined by the winning mode determining means. Of the game processing control means for performing the following.

The symbol table stored in the ROM 65 is conceptually shown in FIG. This symbol table associates the rotation positions of the reels 2 to 4 with the symbols, and represents the symbol rows shown in FIG. 3 by symbols. The symbol table shows code numbers sequentially assigned at a constant rotation pitch of each reel with reference to the rotation position at which the reset pulse is generated, and symbols provided corresponding to each code number. The symbol code is stored. In the example of FIG. 5, when the first reel 2 stops at the rotation position of the code number “6” from the reference position, the display window 5
The symbol corresponding to the code "B" appears at the center of the symbol, and the symbols corresponding to the codes "F" and "C" respectively appear above and below it.

The ROM 65 stores a winning symbol combination table (not shown). The winning symbol combination table stores a symbol code of each winning symbol combination shown in FIG. 6, a symbol code of a symbol combination forming a “reach eye”, a winning determination code indicating each winning, a winning medal payout number, and the like. Have been. Here, the "reach eye" means that the occurrence of the BB game is close to the player when the BB game flag is already set when the BB game request signal is generated. This is a suggested symbol combination. The winning symbol combination table is referred to at the time of stop control of the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4, and at the time of confirming a winning after stopping all the reels. More ROM
A program (sequence program) for executing a game in the slot machine 1 is stored in 65.

Next, the operation of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment controlled by the above-described control circuit will be described.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts showing the outline of the game process controlled by the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61. FIG.

In the main game process, first, an initialization process at the start of the game is performed (FIG. 11, step 10).
1). In this initialization process, the RAM 66 is cleared,
Further, the sub control board 62
Is transmitted, and communication data between the main control board 61 and the sub-control board 62 is initialized. Also, when 30 seconds have elapsed since the end of the previous game,
A demo display command is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. The demonstration display command has a command type indicating a demonstration display, and does not include parameter information. Upon receiving the demonstration display command, the sub CPU 82 controls the image control IC 90 to cause the liquid crystal display device 22 to display a demonstration or display an explanation of a game method.

Next, the main CPU 64 performs a RAM clear process at the end of the game to erase the data stored in the RAM 66 at the end of the previous game (step 10).
2). Next, as a result of the previous game, a replay (replay) occurs, and the CPU 64 determines whether or not there is automatic medal insertion (step 103). If there is this automatic insertion, the game medals corresponding to the insertion request are then automatically inserted (step 104). On the other hand, if there is no automatic insertion request, then the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 8 and inputs a detection signal from the medal sensor 8S, or operates the stored medal insertion switch 25 to 27 to insert the medal. It waits for a signal to be input (step 105).
Up to three medals can be inserted during a general game, and 1 in the BB game and RB game bonus game.
You can insert medals.

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

The sound-only production instruction command is composed of a command type representing a sound-only production instruction and an 8-bit parameter representing sound information, and is output from the speakers 96, 96 without depending on the sub CPU 82. Sent when you make a sound. The sound information of the parameters includes a reel rotation impossible sound, a game medal insertion sound, a game medal payout sound, a BB winning expected sound 1, and a BB winning expected sound 2,
The sound information also includes an instruction to turn on or off the production of any of these sounds. When the sound independent production instruction command is received by the sub control board 62, the sub C
Regardless of the control of the PU 82, any sound is emitted from the speakers 96, or the sound emitted from the speakers 96, 96 is muted. Step 10 above
At 4 and 105, the game medal insertion sound is output from the speaker 9
The sound independent production instruction command to be emitted from the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62 is transmitted from the main control board 61.

The error effect instruction command includes a command type indicating an error effect instruction and an 8-bit parameter indicating an error state, and is transmitted when an error is detected or when the error state is released. The error information of the parameters includes the inserted medal passing time error, the inserted medal passing check error, the game medal auxiliary storage full error, the inserted medal backward error, the hopper empty error, the hopper jam error, and the illegal hit error. Also includes error state release information indicating that the error state has been released. When the sub CPU 82 receives this error effect instruction command,
The error sound is output from the speakers 96, or the sound output from the speakers 96, 96 is muted. Also,
The sub CPU 82 controls the liquid crystal display 2
The display of 2 is an error display screen, and an error code is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. In the above steps 104 and 105, when any of the above errors for the inserted medals occurs, an error effect instruction command indicating the error state is transmitted from the main control board 61 to the sub control board 62. The production by the sound independent production instruction command and the error production instruction command is performed by the microcomputer 81 described above.
It is performed irrespective of the effect based on the image effect pattern determined by.

Next, by operating the start lever 30,
It is determined whether or not a start signal has been input from the start switch 30S (step 106). If this determination is "YES", it is next determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game (step 107). 4.
If one second has not elapsed, the waiting time for starting the game is consumed until 4.1 seconds have elapsed (step 108). If the operation of the start lever 30 is performed before the elapse of 4.1 seconds, the above-described sound independent production instruction command is transmitted from the main control board 61 to the sub control board 62, and the speaker 9
From 6,96, a reel rotation impossible sound is output.

When 4.1 seconds have passed since the last game,
The random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 69 is extracted by the sampling circuit 70 (step 109), and thereafter, the one game monitoring timer for counting 4.1 seconds is set (step 110). Next, a probability lottery process is performed based on the random numbers extracted in step 109 (FIG. 12, step 111).

This probability lottery process is performed in accordance with FIG. 14 and FIG.
Is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, and it is determined that one random number value specified by the sampling circuit 70 belongs to which winning group in the winning probability table (see FIG. 9). That is, first, the accumulation area of the probability lottery values secured in the RAM 66 is cleared (FIG. 14, step 131). Next, the winning number 1 is set in the winning number storage area in the RAM 66 (step 132). This winning number is shown in FIG.
Is shown in the lottery data table according to the game state, and the winning number 1 corresponds to the winning of the cherry.

In the table, the number of lotteries, the lottery combinations, and the order are shown for each game state of normal game, BB, RB internal hit, and general game during BB. In the game state of the general game, the number of lotteries is represented as six, and the respective lottery combinations of cherry, gong, punching ball, replay, RB, and BB and their order 1 to 6 are represented.
The above winning numbers correspond to this order, and order 1 is the winning number 1. In addition, in each of the game states of the BB and RB internal hits and the general game during the BB, the number of lotteries is represented as four times, and the lottery roles and the order excluding RB and BB are represented.

Next, the number of lotteries (4
Is set in the lottery number storage area of the RAM 66 (step 133). Next, a game state flag described later is referred to to determine whether the current game state is the BB operation, that is, whether the current game state is just the BB game state (step 134). If the BB operation is being performed, the process proceeds to step 138 described below. If the BB operation is not being performed, it is next determined whether or not the BB or RB is hitting inside (step 135). If the inside of the BB or RB is being hit, the number of lotteries at the time of the BB or RB inside hit (four times) is set in the lottery number storage area (step 136). The number of lotteries during normal game (six times) is set in the lottery number storage area (step 137).

Next, the number of medals inserted into the machine is checked (step 138), and the probability lottery data for one medal is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 66 (step 139). That is, the probability lottery data a1 to f1 when the number of inserted medals is one, which are shown at the top of the winning probability table of FIG. 9, are set. Next, it is determined whether or not the number of inserted medals is one (step 140). If the number is one, the process proceeds to step 144 described later. The lottery data is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 33 (step 141). That is,
Probability lottery data a2 to g2 when the number of inserted medals is two shown in the middle part of the winning probability table of FIG. 9 are set. Next, it is determined whether or not the number of inserted medals is two (step 142). If the number is two, the process proceeds to step 144 described below. If the number is not two, the probability lottery data for three medals is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 33 (step 143).
That is, shown at the bottom of the winning probability table of FIG.
Probability lottery data a3 to g when the number of inserted medals is three
3 is set.

Next, each size of the set probability lottery data is added to the probability lottery value accumulation area secured in the RAM 66 (FIG. 15, step 144). This addition is first performed with the size of the probability lottery data as aw, and the process returns from step 148 to be described later and returns to step 1
Each time 44 is performed, the size of the probability lottery data bw, c
w, dw, ew, and fw are sequentially added to the probability lottery value accumulation area. Here, the size aw of the probability lottery data
, Bw, cw, dw, ew, fw are the sizes of the sections of the winning combination in the winning probability table, and aw = a, b
w = ba, cw = cb, dw = dc, ew = e-
d, fw = fe. The size of the probability lottery data is aw
, The cumulative value D of the probability lottery value becomes aw.

Next, the random number specified by the sampling circuit 70 is set to X in the expression XD (step 145). By calculating this formula, it is determined whether or not a winning combination defined by the probability lottery data has been won (step 146). That is, it is determined whether the calculation result of X-D is positive or negative. If the calculation result is negative, that is, if the value of the random number value X is smaller than the value of the accumulated value D, the specified random number is determined. Belong to the winning combination defined by the probability lottery data. The accumulated value D at the beginning of the process is aw, and in this case, when the calculation result is negative, the lottery result is a winning combination defined by a, that is, an internal winning is achieved at the small win of the cherry, and the process is performed at step 150 described later. Proceed to

On the other hand, if the calculation result is positive, 1 is added to the winning number stored in the winning number storage area (step 147). Initially, 1 is set in this winning number storage area in step 132, so that the winning number becomes 2 by this initial addition processing in step 147. It is understood from the table of FIG. 16 that the winning number 2 corresponds to a gong. Thereafter, every time this process is performed, the winning numbers are counted up to 3, 4, 5,.... Next, it is determined whether the number of lotteries has reached the specified number stored in the lottery number storage area (step 14).
8).

If the lottery for the specified number of times has not been completed, the process returns to step 144, and bw, the size of the next probability lottery data, is added to the probability lottery value accumulation area. Then, according to the processing of steps 145 and 146, X
The calculation of −D is performed, and the sign of the calculation result is determined. When the size bw of the probability lottery data is added to the probability lottery value accumulated value D by this processing, the value of D becomes aw + bw
become. In this case, when the calculation result is negative, the random number specified by the sampling belongs to the winning combination defined by the probability lottery data b, and the lottery result is an internal win at the small hit of the gong. To step 150.

On the other hand, if the calculation result is positive, it is determined that the winning combination defined by the probability lottery data has not been won, and the winning number is counted up according to step 147, and the winning number is set to 3. Thereafter, it is determined in step 148 whether or not the number of lotteries has reached the specified number. If not, the process returns to step 144 and the same processing as described above is repeatedly performed.

When the number of lotteries reaches the specified number in step 148, the specified value X of the random number is determined to be equal to or greater than the maximum value of the probability lottery value accumulated value D, and the random number does not belong to any winning combination section. As a result, the lottery result is lost. Therefore, the deviation number 0 is set as the winning number (step 149).

Next, a hit request flag corresponding to the winning number is set (step 150). There are six types of hit request flags: “Cherry”, “Gong”, “Punching ball”, “Replay”, “RB”, and “BB”.
There are types, and one of the hit request flags is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. If none of the hit request flags are set, the result is "missing". Here, the winning request flag is set
This means that he has been internally won for the winning combination.

The hit request flag is stored in a 1-byte hit request flag storage area secured in the RAM 66 as shown in FIG.
It is stored as shown in FIG. For example, when 1 is set in bit 6 of this storage area, it means that the hit request flag is "BB", and when 1 is set in bit 5, the hit request flag is "RB". Means Two types of hit request flags may be set at the same time. For example, when the request flag per BB or the request flag per RB is set, the hit request flag is set to “BB” or “R” in the current game.
If the symbol combination corresponding to "B" is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 2 to 4, it is carried over to the next game. For this reason, "BB inside hit" or "RB inside hit"
At the time of the next game, if the small hit prize combination is determined by the prize mode determining means, the small hit prize winning request flag is set. Therefore, the hit request flag of “BB” or “RB” and the hit request flag of the small hit prize are simultaneously set.

In the specific processing of the above steps 144 to 148, the range of the extracted random numbers is 0 to 16384, and the data at the time of betting three in the winning probability table shown in FIG. 9 is shown in FIG. In this case, the following is performed.

For example, assuming that a random number 4050 is extracted in the general game state, X = 4050 and the initial D = 120.
Since it is 0 (the size aw of cherry hit section data), the calculation of X-D is as follows.

4050-1200 = 2850 (1) Since 2850 of this calculation result is a positive number, it is not elected, and 1 is added to the elected number set to 1 and the elected number is set to 2. . The specified number of lotteries in the general game state is six, so the specified number of lotteries has not been completed, and the same processing is repeated again. That is, the size bw of the next gong hit section data is added to the accumulated value D, and D = 1200 + 1100 = 2300, and the next X-D is calculated.

4050-2300 = 1750 (2) Since 1750 of this calculation result is also a positive number, it is not elected, and 1 is added to the election number set to 2 and the election number is set to 3. . Also here, since the specified number of lotteries has not been completed, the same processing is repeated again. That is, the size cw of the hit section data of the next punching ball is added to the accumulated value D, and D = 2300 + 1
800 is set to 4100, and the next calculation of X-D is performed.

4050-4100 = -50 (3) Since this calculation result is a negative number, the winning is made, the winning number becomes 3, and the winning combination defined by the probability lottery data c, that is, the small hit of the punching ball You have won the role.

The probability lottery process in step 111 of FIG. 12 is performed as described above, and the game start information is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 of the main control board 61 to the main control unit communication port 88 of the sub control board 62. Sent.

The game start information is composed of a command type indicating the start of the game and a 24-bit parameter indicating the hit request flag and the like. After the operation of the start lever 30 is detected and the probability lottery process is performed, Sent. Assuming that this parameter is 24 bits from the least significant bit 0 to the most significant bit 23, the request flag is represented by hitting the higher bits 15 to 23. For example, bit 15
Indicates that the hit request flag is cherry, and if a bit is set at bit 16, the hit request flag is gong. Similarly, bits 17, 18, 19, and 20 indicate that the hit request flag is gong. Indicates that the hit request flags are punching ball, replay, RB, and BB, respectively.

When the current gaming state is the RB gaming state, the lower bits 0 to 3 of the parameter represent the number of possible games (12 to 1) of the jack game, and the bits 8 and 9 represent the RB game. Represents the number of operable times (2 to 0).
When the current gaming state is the BB gaming state,
The lower bits 0 to 4 of the parameter indicate the number of possible BB games (30 to 1), and the bits 8 and 9 indicate the number of operable RB games (2 to 0) as in the above-described RB gaming state.

Next to the probability lottery process, a reel rotation process is performed (step 112). In the reel rotation processing, first, each rotation position of the reels 2 to 4 is written in R
A predetermined area of the AM 66 is initialized by the main CPU 64 at the start of reel rotation, and subsequently, each of the reels 2 to 4 is rotationally driven by the stepping motor 45. Next, it is determined whether any of the stop buttons 31 to 33 has been turned on (step 113). If the ON operation has not been performed, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop timer has reached 0 (step 114). This automatic stop timer is for automatically stopping each of the reels 2 to 4 after a lapse of a predetermined time when the stop buttons 31 to 33 are not operated for a predetermined time.

When any one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is turned on or the automatic stop timer reaches 0, the number of frames of the symbol drawn on the activation line is calculated.
That is, the number of sliding frames is determined (step 115). The number of sliding pieces is determined based on a game state, a winning request, the number of control pieces, a symbol position, and the like.

The game state is indicated by the game state status (game state flag) shown in FIG. 18A, and the winning request is indicated by the hit request flag shown in FIG. 18B. The game status is stored in a one-byte area in the RAM 66, and the game status at that time is indicated by hexadecimal data 01 to 05. The gaming state stored in this gaming state status includes "R
"B operating", "BB operating", "General game", "BB
There are five types, “inside hit inside” and “RB inside hit inside”.

"RB operation in progress" indicates a game state during the RB game. In this RB game, as described above, a bonus game in which a plurality of high payout games are combined is one bonus game.
Can be done multiple times. “BB operation in progress” indicates a gaming state during the BB game. In the BB game, as described above, the set of the general game and the bonus game can be performed a plurality of times. “General game” indicates a game state in which neither BB nor RB winning has occurred, and a small hit prize occurs during the general game.

The "BB inside hit" is a normal game state in which the BB request flag is raised, but the predetermined symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 2 to 4 and the BB game has not yet entered. Represents. “RB internal hit” indicates that the RB hit request flag is set, but the predetermined symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 2 to 4 and the normal game state in which the RB game has not yet been entered. I have.

As shown in FIG. 19, the number of control frames depends on the order of symbols for which the pull-in control is prioritized.
5 is stored as a table. The drawing shows a pull-in priority table during a general game. During a general game, the pull-in priority is determined in the order of replay, small hit, and BB / RB game. This priority is the priority of the winning combination that is preferentially drawn on the activation line. In the case where the two types of winning combinations are simultaneously requested as described above, or the case where "losing" is determined by the winning mode determination means, etc., the winning combinations having a higher priority according to the predetermined priority are set. The pattern according to is preferentially drawn. The number of control frames is a frame number within a range in which the pull-in control is possible, and is set to a maximum of 4 frames for each winning combination during a general game.

The symbol position is position data of each of the reels 2 to 4 written in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. This symbol position is the data of the symbol present at each activation line at that time, and is stored as the symbol code shown in FIG.

In determining the number of sliding frames, first, the current game state is referred to, and a priority order table corresponding to the game state is selected. In other words, if it is a general game state, FIG.
The table shown in FIG. 9 is selected. Next, the number of control frames of the winning combination according to the winning request is referred to from the selected table. Thereafter, the symbol position at that time is referred to, and the symbol at that time on the activation line of the first stop reel is grasped. If this symbol is not a symbol corresponding to the winning request, it is determined whether there is a symbol corresponding to the winning request within the range of the number of control frames referred to. If the symbol corresponding to the winning request is within the range of the number of control frames, the number of frames from the activated line to the symbol is determined as the number of sliding frames.

Next, the number of sliding frames is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. Thereafter, a stop request flag for the first stop reel is set, and in response to the setting of the stop request flag, the first stop reel is rotated by the determined number of sliding frames, and rotation of one reel is performed. It is stopped (step 116).

At this time, reel stop information is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. The reel stop information includes a command type indicating reel stop and a 24-bit parameter indicating stop reel information, and is transmitted every time the main CPU 64 detects a reel stop of any one of the reels 2 to 4. Assuming that this parameter is 24 bits from the least significant bit 0 to the most significant bit 23, 3 bits of the lower bits 0 to 2 represent the number of sliding frames (0 to 4). The five middle bits 8 to 12 represent the positions of the reels 2 to 4 when the stop buttons 31 to 33 are operated. The reel positions correspond to the code numbers 1 to 21 in the symbol table (see FIG. 10). The two higher-order bits 16 and 17 indicate the type of stop reel, that is, whether the stop reel is the first reel 2, the second reel 3, or the third reel.
Indicates whether the reel 4 is used. Upon receiving the reel stop information, the sub CPU 82 outputs a reel stop sound from the speakers 96, 96 and causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display a reel rotation stop display.

If the same bonus symbol is stopped (tempered) on the activated pay line in a state where two of the three reels 2 to 4 are stopped, the sub-routine is executed in step 116. The control unit communication port 79 transmits a sound-only effect instruction command to the sub-control board 62. This sound independent production instruction command is the instruction described in steps 104 and 105 described above, and the sound independent production instruction command transmitted in step 116 includes BB winning expected sound 1 or BB winning expected sound 2 as a parameter. It is a directive including. Sub CP
When U82 receives this sound independent production instruction command,
BB winning expected sound 1 or BB winning expected sound 2 is output from speakers 96, 96. Expected winning sound 1 is output when the same bonus symbols “7” and “7” are stopped on the activated winning line, and expected winning sound 2 is the same bonus symbol “upper glove” on the activated winning line. , "Upper glove", "lower glove", and "lower glove" are stopped.

Next, it is determined whether or not all the reels 2 to 4 have stopped (step 117). If the second reel and the third reel have not stopped yet, the process returns to step 113, and the above processes are repeated.

The reel stop processing in steps 113 to 117 is performed, for example, as follows during a general game.

For example, when the ON operation of the first reel stop button 31 is detected, the first reel stop button 31
Is operated by the player, the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor 45 of the first reel 2 becomes R
It is read from the AM 66 and is associated with the rotation position of the first reel 2. When the rotation position of the first reel 2 is known, three symbols appearing in the observation window 5 are grasped as symbol codes by contrast with the symbol table (see FIG. 10).

In this case, when the big hit hit request flag is set, it is checked whether or not there is a symbol constituting a big hit on the activated pay line in the observation window 5. Similarly, when the hit request flag of the medium hit and the small hit is set, it is checked whether or not there is a symbol constituting the medium hit and the small hit on the activated pay line of the observation window 5. When there is a symbol corresponding to the hit request flag on the activated pay line, the main CPU 6
4 stops the first reel 2 immediately.

As a result of the above check processing, if the symbol corresponding to the hit request flag does not appear on the activated pay line in the observation window 5, the first reel 2 is further rotated by the number of control frames (four symbols). Check what kind of symbols appear when you let them. If there is a symbol corresponding to the hit request flag in this, the number of sliding frames up to that frame position is the number of sliding frames, and the first reel 2 is rotated by the number of sliding frames and stopped there. This pull-in control process is performed in the same manner at the time of the respective stop control processes of the second reel 3 and the third reel 4 described below.

Next, when the stop button 32 of the second reel 3 is turned on, stop control processing of the second reel 3 is performed. In the stop control process, first, in the state where the second reel 3 is rotating, first, the pay line L at the center of the observation window 6 is set.
Assuming that 21 symbols of each of the code numbers 1 to 21 stop at 1, a combination with the symbols of the first reel 2 already stopped on the activated pay line is read. A rotation code indicating that the third reel 4 is rotating is read. The second reel 3 is also rotating, but is not read as a rotation code because it is assumed that the second reel 3 is stopped by the above processing.

When the combination of the symbol codes is read in this way, the winning symbol combination table described above is referred to, and the second reel 3 has 21 rotation positions with respect to the symbol determined by stopping the first reel 2. , It is sequentially determined what kind of winning may occur on the activated winning line. For example, FIG.
Assuming that the first reel 2 is stopped as shown in FIG. 0 (a), the stop position of the second reel 3 is assumed as 21 and the symbol combination pattern at that time is checked. For example, as shown in FIG.
At the code number "1" at the center of the symbol, the symbol combination on each of the pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B is as shown in FIG.

The arrow on the third reel 4 is a rotation code indicating that the reel is spinning, but depending on the stop position of the third reel, a big hit prize of "AAA" may occur on the prize line L3A. There is. Therefore, for the code number "1" on the second reel 3, a big hit prediction flag is set as shown in FIG. The presence or absence of such a prediction flag is checked for all code numbers on the second reel 3, and these data are written to the RAM 66.

The predicted flag data written in the RAM 66 in this manner is referred to at the time of controlling the stop of the second reel 3. That is, when the stop button 32 of the second reel 3 is operated, the prediction flag corresponding to the code number of the second reel 3 is referred to. The stop control of the second reel 3 is executed such that the symbol of the big hit stops.

Next, when the on operation of the stop button 33 of the third reel 4 is detected, the stop control processing of the third reel 4 is performed. In this stop control processing, the first reel 2 and the second reel 3 have already been stopped and the symbol combination has been specified. Therefore, for each of these symbol combinations, a code number for each of the third reels 4 is given. The possibility of winning is determined, and a winning expected flag is set in the same manner as in the table shown in FIG.

The prediction flag data is also referred to when the stop button 33 of the third reel 4 is operated, and when a big hit is predicted, the big hit symbol is stopped on the activated pay line. Stop control of the third reel 4 is executed. At the time of the stop control processing of the third reel 4, not only a winning according to the winning request flag but also a winning different from the winning request flag can be obtained by a combination with the symbols of the first reel 2 and the second reel 3 that are already stopped. The reel stop position is controlled so as to not obtain the following.

When such reel stop control processing is completed for all reels 2 to 4, all reel stop information is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. This all-reel stop information is composed of only the command type indicating all-reel stop, has no parameters, and is transmitted after the rotation stop of all reels 2 to 4 is confirmed.

Next, a winning search process is performed by the main CPU 64 (FIG. 13, step 118). In the winning search process, the type of the winning flag indicating the combination of the symbols actually arranged on the activated winning line matches the type of the hit request flag determined by the probability lottery process. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step 119). If this determination result is not normal, for example, if the gong symbol combination is aligned on the activated pay line but the hit request flag is a cherry flag, an illegal error is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. (Step 120).

This error display is performed by transmitting an error effect instruction command from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. This error effect instruction command has been described in step 104 and step 105. In step 120, an error effect instruction command indicating an illegal hit error is transmitted as a parameter.

If the winning flag is normal, then a game medal is stored or paid out according to the state at that time (step 121). In other words, in a state where the game is played with credits, the number of credits displayed on the stored number display section 16 is increased by the number of medals obtained by winning, and the game is played by inserting medals into the medal slot 8. In this state, the number of medals obtained by winning is paid out to the tray 34.

In this step 121, winning information is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. The winning information is composed of a command type indicating a winning and a 24-bit parameter indicating the winning information, and is transmitted after all the reels 2 to 4 are stopped and a winning search is performed. The lower four bits 0 to 3 of the 24-bit parameter represent the type of the symbol that generated the BB game during the general game, and represent the number of jackpot winnings (8 to 1) during the RB game. Also,
The four high-order bits 4 to 7 represent the number of payout medals, and the five high-order bits 8 to 12 represent the type of a winning line in which a winning symbol combination is prepared. Further, the higher bits 13 to 24 represent the type of the hit request flag set in the probability lottery process in step 111.

Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the operation of the BB game or the RB game (step 122). When the BB game or the RB game is not running, the main CPU 6
The game processing by 4 returns to step 102, and the next new game is started. When the BB game or the RB game is in operation, the BB game or the RB game is executed next.
The number of games played is checked by the main CPU 64 (step 123).

In this step 123, a bonus game state change instruction command is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. The bonus game state change instruction command includes a command type indicating a bonus game state change instruction and an 8-bit parameter indicating a bonus game state. When the RB game ends, the RB game in the BB game ends. Alternatively, it is transmitted at the end of the BB game. The parameter is whether the RB game has been completed and the RB game has been ended normally, or the second RB in the BB game.
Whether the game has ended, whether the first RB game in the BB game has ended, or
The status information indicates whether the B game has been completed normally or whether the BB game has been completed by puncturing before shifting to the second RB game. When the sub CPU 82 receives the bonus game state change instruction command, the sub CPU 82
96 to mute the RB operation sound
B operation sound is output.

Next, it is determined by the main CPU 64 whether or not the current gaming state is at the end of the BB game (step 124). If the BB game is over, a RAM clear process at the end of the BB game is performed on the RAM 66 (step 125).
Returning to 2, the next new game is started. If it is not the end of the BB game in step 124, the game process returns to step 102 and the next new game is started.

In the RAM clear processing of step 125,
BB from sub control unit communication port 79 to sub control board 62
The operation information at the time of termination is transmitted. This operation information is BB
It is composed of a command type indicating the operation at the end, and an 8-bit parameter indicating status information.
Sent when the game becomes available after the end of the BB game, when the automatic settlement is set, or when the stop is set. When a bit is set in the least significant bit 0 of the parameter, it indicates a settlement operation, and when a bit is set in the bit 1, it indicates a stop operation.

FIG. 22 shows the CPU 82 of the sub-control board 62.
Is a flowchart showing an outline of the number-of-games counting process after the end of the bonus executed by the game.

In the number-of-games counting process after the end of the bonus, a start command as game start information is transmitted from the main control board 61 in the probability lottery process of step 111 in FIG. It starts when the data is taken in (FIG. 22, step 201). When the start command is captured,
It is determined whether or not the current game state is a normal game (step 202). When not in a general game, that is, when the current game state is BB or RB operation, or B
If B or RB is being hit, the process returns to step 201. If the current game state is the normal game, it is next determined whether or not the internal winning combination represented by the parameter of the start command is a BB or RB bonus internal winning request flag (step). 20
3). If the flag is a bonus internal hit request flag, the sub CPU 82 clears the count value of the built-in game number counter (step 204) and returns to the processing of step 201. If the internal winning combination is a hit request flag other than the bonus, the sub CPU 82 increments the count value of the game number counter by +1 to count the number of games after the end of the bonus game (step 20).
5), returning to the processing of step 201; Step 2
In 03, a configuration is adopted in which a bonus end command is received to determine whether or not BB or RB has ended, and the number-of-games counter is cleared in step 204 when the bonus game ends, instead of determining whether or not BB or RB has been internally won. It may be.

FIG. 23 shows the CPU 82 of the sub-control board 62.
Is a flowchart showing an outline of a volume adjustment process performed by the CPU.

In this volume adjustment process, first, in the RAM clear process of step 125 in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the operation information at the time of BB termination is transmitted from the main control board 61 as a bonus termination command (FIG. 23). , Step 211). If a BB end command is received,
The sub CPU 82 controls the sound source IC 91 and causes the speakers 96 and 96 to output the game sound 1 at the sound volume level 16 as shown in the graph of FIG. 24 via the power amplifier 95 (step 212). The game sound 1 is a continuous sound that is continuously output during the game. In FIG. 24, the horizontal axis indicates the counter value of the game number counter, and the vertical axis indicates the volume level of the game sound. On the other hand, when the BB end command is not received from the main control board 61,
The process proceeds to step 213.

Next, it is determined whether or not a start command has been received from the main control board 61 (step 21).
3). If the start command has not been received, the volume adjustment processing ends. On the other hand, when the start command is received, it is subsequently determined whether or not the current gaming state is BB or RB operation (step 214). B
If the B or RB operation is being performed, a bonus sound process is performed in which a bonus effect sound or the like is output (step 215).

On the other hand, if the BB or RB operation is not being performed, it is determined whether or not the game sound 2 is currently producing a sound (step 216). This game sound 2 is also a continuous sound that is continuously output during the game. If game sound 2 is sounding,
The volume adjustment processing ends. On the other hand, when the game sound 2 is not sounding, it is determined that the game sound 1 is sounding, and subsequently, the sub CPU 82 divides the count value of the game number counter by a predetermined count value, for example, 30. (Step 217). The predetermined count value defines the number of games in which the volume of the game sound 1 is reduced stepwise.

Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the game number counter is divisible by the predetermined count value 30 (step 218). That is, it is determined whether the general game has been played exactly a predetermined number of times. If the count value is not divisible by the predetermined count value 30, the volume adjustment processing ends. On the other hand, when the count value is divisible by the predetermined count value 30,
Next, it is determined whether or not the volume of the game sound 1 currently output is the minimum volume (step 219). If the volume is not the minimum volume, the volume is reduced by one level from the current volume (step 220), and the process returns to step 211. For example, the game sound 1 output at the volume level 16 in FIG. 24 is reduced to the volume level 15 after 30 games (30G). Thereafter, similarly, every time the number of games is counted 30 times, the volume level is lowered by one step to 16 levels, and when the number of games reaches 420 times, the volume of the game sound 1 is reduced to the minimum level of level 1 .

On the other hand, if the current volume is the minimum volume, the game sound is switched from the minimum volume game sound 1 to the maximum volume game sound 2 and output (step 221), and the process returns to step 211. . For example, in FIG. 24, when the volume level reaches the 450th game (450G) at the minimum volume of 1, the game sound 2 is output at the volume level 16 and the game sound 2 at the level 16 is continuously output. Is done.

According to the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of games after BB or RB ends is 30.
Each time it is counted, the volume of the game sound 1 is reduced.
Accordingly, the player can grasp the number of games from the end of BB or RB to the present time, that is, the number of times of so-called refining, to some extent by identifying the volume of the game sound 1 to be output. As a result, the conventional operation of operating the cross key 23 to display the number of times of the adjustment on the liquid crystal display device 22 is omitted, and the player does not tend to fail to check the number of times of the adjustment. Also, unlike the conventional slot machine, the trouble of raising the face and consciously looking at the dedicated display for the number of times of humming, which is provided separately above, is omitted, and it is easy to forget to check the number of times of humming. Nor. Therefore, the player can always accurately determine whether or not to continue the game in the slot machine 1.

When the count value of the number-of-games counter exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 450, the game sound is changed from the game sound 1 having the minimum volume to the game sound 2 having the maximum volume.
By listening to the game sound 2 that is output, it is possible to easily recognize that the slot machine 1 is in a deeply crawling state in which the crawling frequency exceeds 450 times.

Also, unlike the conventional slot machine, the sound output volume is not always constant, and the sound output volume changes according to the number of games, thereby increasing the fun of the slot machine game.

In this embodiment, the number of games 3
Although the volume of the game sound 1 is set to be changed to 16 levels every 0 times, the setting of the number of levels of the volume and the number of games for changing the volume is not limited to this. Also, the game sound 2 having the maximum volume is set to be output continuously when the number of games exceeds 450, but the game sound 1 having the minimum volume may be set to be output continuously as it is. . Alternatively, the number of types of game sounds may be increased, and settings may be made so as to finely change the game sounds in accordance with the increase in the number of games. In addition, the volume of the game operation sound such as the start lever operation sound output in response to the operation of the start lever 30 and the stop button operation sound output in response to the pressing operation of the stop buttons 31, 32, 33 is determined. The setting may be changed according to an increase in the number of times.

Even when the slot machine 1 is configured with these settings, the same operations and effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0128]

As described above, according to the present invention, as the number of games after the end of the bonus game increases, the volume of a sound, such as a continuous sound or a cut off sound, changes. Therefore, by identifying the volume of the sound to be emitted,
It is possible to know the approximate number of games from the end of the bonus game to the present. As a result, it is possible to easily grasp the current number of times of rehabilitation without requiring any special operation or operation. Therefore, the player can always accurately determine whether or not to continue the game at the gaming table.

When the number of games after the end of the bonus game reaches a predetermined number, if a different type of sound is output, the player does not reach the predetermined number of games after the end of the bonus game. By discriminating the sound that is sometimes output and the sound that is output after the predetermined number of times has been reached, it is possible to easily recognize the degree of the hooking of the gaming table.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which a winning line described in a display window of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 is sequentially activated.

FIG. 3 is a view showing symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rotating reel unit of the slot machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a structure of a rotating reel constituting the rotating reel unit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view showing symbol combinations drawn on a payout display section of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration formed on a main control board of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration formed on a sub-control board of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing a winning probability table used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing a symbol table used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a first flowchart showing an outline of a processing operation by a main CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a second flowchart showing an outline of a processing operation by the main CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a third flowchart showing an outline of a processing operation by the main CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a first flowchart showing details of a probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a second flowchart showing details of the probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12;

16 is a diagram showing a gaming state-based lottery data table used in the probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12;

17 is a diagram showing specific data of a winning probability table shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing contents of a storage area secured in a RAM of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a pull-in priority table used in a game process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a relationship between symbol codes that are assigned to and read from the respective rotating reels in the game processing of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a hit prediction flag table used in the game processing of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an outline of the number-of-games counting process after the end of the bonus by the sub CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an outline of a sound volume adjustment process by a sub CPU of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

24 is a graph showing a correlation between the volume and the number of games by the volume adjustment process shown in FIG. 23.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine 2, 3, 4 ... Reel 22 ... Liquid crystal display device 23 ... Cross key 24 ... A button 25 ... B button 30 ... Start lever 31, 32, 33 ... Stop button 64 ... Main CPU (Central processing unit) 65, 83: Program ROM (read only memory) 66, 84: Control RAM (random access memory) 82: Sub CPU 91: Sound source IC (highly integrated circuit) 94: Sound ROM 96: Speaker

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A prize mode determining means for determining a prize mode by random number lottery, a game processing control means for performing a bonus game in accordance with a predetermined prize mode being determined by the prize mode determining means, A gaming machine comprising: a sound output means for outputting a sound in accordance with a state; a game number counter for counting the number of games after the end of the bonus game; and A gaming machine that emits sound at a volume corresponding to a numerical value. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the sound output means changes the type of sound output when the count value of the game number counter reaches a predetermined value. 3. The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the sound output after the end of the bonus game is reduced step by step at every predetermined count value of the game number counter. A gaming machine according to claim 1. 4. The sound output means decreases the sound volume of the sound output after the end of the bonus game step by step at every predetermined count value of the game number counter, and sets the count value of the game number counter to a minimum volume. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein when the predetermined value is reached in a step, the volume of the output sound is maximized and the sound is output. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the sound output by the sound output unit is a continuous sound. 6. The game according to claim 1, wherein the sound output by the sound output unit is a cutoff sound output in accordance with a game process. Machine. 7. The bonus game according to claim 1, wherein the bonus game is a regular bonus game in which a high payout is awarded, or a big bonus in which a regular game during a bonus game in which a small hit prize is generated with a high probability and the regular bonus game can be performed a plurality of times. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gaming machine is a game. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine.