JP2004000643A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that a conventional game machine which teaches auxiliary information on game operation to players uniformly cannot support all the players appropriately. <P>SOLUTION: A sub-CPU 82 first displays an initial guide menu screen on a liquid crystal display 22 (step 161). Next, an A button 24 is operated with "HELP level selection" highlighted, and discriminates whether there is a HELP level selection display request or not (step 162). When there is a display request, the HELP level selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 22. This screen has each button of "beginner's level HELP", "intermediate level HELP", and "no HELP", and any one button is highlighted. At this time, selected level of HELP is performed (step 163). When the button of "no HELP" is chosen, auxiliary message for game operation is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a function of instructing a player on information for assisting a gaming operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There are game machines that explain a game operation method or suggest a game procedure (for example, see Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2). Needless to say, when information supporting the game operation is transmitted to the player, the player can easily proceed with the game.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-229145 (paragraphs [0123] to [0199], [0306] to [0410])
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2000-254272 (paragraphs [0102] to [0139], [0233] to [0330])
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since recent gaming machines have high technical intervening properties or have advanced functions, information required for supporting game operations is different between skilled game players and beginners. Therefore, in the conventional gaming machines that uniformly provide the game operation auxiliary information to the player, there are those who fall into a shortage of information by the player, and others who are forced to use more information than necessary and feel troublesome. , We could not provide appropriate support for all types of players. Further, some players want to enjoy the game without any support, and such players have felt much more troublesome.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a storage means for storing game operation auxiliary information created according to a skill level of a player, and a game operation auxiliary information stored in the storage means To the player, and selecting means for selecting the skill level of the game operation auxiliary information transmitted to the player by the transmission means, and having an option not to transmit the game operation auxiliary information by the transmission means. To constitute a gaming machine.
[0006]
According to this configuration, the game operation auxiliary information transmitted to the player becomes the game operation auxiliary information of the skill level selected by the selection unit, and the game operation auxiliary information is transmitted by selecting an option of the selection unit. Can be stopped. For this reason, the player can obtain the game operation auxiliary information according to his or her skill level and receive appropriate support. In addition, a player who sufficiently knows a game operation is not forced to provide unnecessary game operation auxiliary information, and thus can cope with a wide range of game players. As a result, the trouble of the player who wants to enjoy the game without any support can be eliminated.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.
[0008]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.
[0009]
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. Three of these symbols are observed through the display windows 5, 6, 7 on the front of the slot machine 1, respectively. The display windows 5, 6, and 7 are provided with a total of five pay lines, three horizontal and two oblique. On the lower right side of the display windows 5 to 7, an insertion slot 8 for a player to insert a medal is provided.
[0010]
When the player inserts one medal from the medal insertion slot 8 prior to the start of the game, as shown in FIG. 2A, one central horizontal pay line L1 is activated. When two cards are inserted, two horizontal pay lines L2A and L2B are added to the horizontal lines, and three horizontal pay lines L1, L2A and L2B are activated, as shown in FIG. You. When three cards are inserted, all five pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B are activated as shown in FIG. It should be noted that the circles in the figure represent symbols drawn on the reels 2 to 4.
[0011]
On the left of the display windows 5 to 7, four chance LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 9 to 12, three game operation display lamps 13 to 15, a stored number display section 16, and a start lamp 17 from the top. Is 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. The stored number display unit 16 is composed of a 3-digit 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals currently credited inside the machine. The start lamp 17 blinks when each of the reels 2 to 4 can operate.
[0012]
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 from the top. 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 number-of-payout display unit 20 includes three-digit seven-segment LEDs, and displays the number of medals paid out by winning. The insert lamp 21 is turned on when a medal can be inserted into the slot 8.
[0013]
A 7-inch liquid crystal display device 22 is provided immediately below the display windows 5 to 7. Various information is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 as described later. On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 22, there are provided a cross key 23, an A button 24, a B button 25, a stored medal insertion switch 26, a stored medal insertion switch 27, and a stored medal insertion switch 28. The cross key 23 is operated in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and is operated together with the A button 24 and the B button 25 to select information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. When the number of medals is displayed on the stored number display section 16 and credits are given, the stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28 are replaced with one to three medals per game instead of inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 8. Used when betting medals.
[0014]
In addition, below the liquid crystal display device 22, a stored medal settlement switch 29, a start lever 30, and stop buttons 31, 32, 33 are provided from the left side. The stored medal settlement switch 29 is used to settle a medal credited inside the machine. Further, the operation of the start lever 30 causes the reels 2 to 4 to simultaneously start rotating. The stop buttons 31 to 33 are arranged corresponding to the respective reels 2 to 4. When the rotation of each of the reels 2 to 4 reaches a certain speed, the operation is activated, and each of the buttons is activated in accordance with the operation of the player. The rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is stopped.
[0015]
In addition, a medal tray 34 is provided at a lower front portion of the slot machine 1. The medal tray 34 stores medals paid out from a medal payout port 35. Further, 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.
[0016]
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 21 symbols of a plurality of types, and corresponds to the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4 in order from the left of the figure. 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.
[0017]
The symbol types are "Seven" consisting of the numeral 7, "Upper glove" in the upper half of a boxing glove picture, and "Lower glove" in the lower half of a boxing glove picture. There are seven types, "punching ball" used for boxing practice, "gong" sounded at the start and end of one round of boxing, "revenge" composed of English characters, and "cherry". The symbol “upper glove” and the symbol “lower glove” are vertically combined to form one new symbol “KO punch”, and a character “KO!” Is formed in the center.
[0018]
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 than the widths of the other symbols in the width direction of the reel band, 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.
[0019]
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 of the reels 2 to 4 is configured by attaching a reel band 44 to an outer periphery of a reel drum 43. The above-mentioned 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 of the reels 2 to 4 is driven by the motor 45 to rotate.
[0020]
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. 4B, 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 detects that the shielding plate 50 provided on the reel drum 43 passes through the photo sensor 49 as the reel drum 43 rotates.
[0021]
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 the screen.
[0022]
FIG. 6 is a predetermined winning symbol combination table in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and is shown in the payout display section 36 at the upper front of the slot machine 1. When three symbols “Seven”, “Upper glove” and “Lower glove” are aligned on the activated pay line, 15 medals are paid out, and then a BB (Big Bonus) game is executed. In addition, when three of these symbols are aligned on 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.
[0023]
In addition, at the time of a general game, if the combination of the symbols "Upper Glove"-"Upper Glove"-"Seven" or the combination of the symbol "Lower Glove"-"Lower Glove"-"Seven" is aligned with the activated prize line, 15 cards After the medals are paid out, the RB (regular bonus) game is executed. In addition, when these symbol combinations are aligned with the activated prize line at the time of the general game during the BB game, a small hit prize is won, and 15 medals are paid out.
[0024]
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 paid out, and twelve or eight medals are paid out. Even if three of these symbols are aligned on the activated prize line at the time of a general game, a small hit prize is won, and 12 or 8 medals are paid out.
[0025]
Further, when three symbols “Revenge” are aligned on the activated pay line during a general game, replay is performed, and although there is no payout of medals, one more game can be played without inserting medals. When three symbols “Revenge” are activated on the pay line during the general game during the B / B game, eight medals are paid out, and the game state shifts from the general game during the B / B game to the bonus game. . Further, the three combinations of the symbol “revenge” are also combinations in which the jackpot game winning occurrence of the jackpot game occurs during the bonus game. This jack game is a game in which a combination of "revenge"-"revenge"-"revenge" is arranged on the middle pay line L1 at the time of the bonus game.
[0026]
Further, when one symbol “Cherry” stops on the activated winning line of the first reel 3 at the time of the general game, two small medals are paid out and two medals are paid out. Even if one symbol is stopped on the activated winning line of the first reel 3, a small hit is won and two medals are paid out.
[0027]
The symbols “upper glove” and “lower glove” indicate that when one symbol is stopped on the activated pay line of the first reel 3, medals are not paid out during the general game, but the general game during the BB game is not performed. At times, when this one symbol stops on the activated pay line of the first reel 3, five medals are paid out.
[0028]
Next, an outline of the above-mentioned (1) general game, (2) RB game, and (3) BB game will be described.
[0029]
(1) General games
At the time of a general game, when a symbol combination of three symbols “punching ball” and “gong” is arranged on a winning line, or when one symbol “cherry” is stopped on a winning line of the first reel, a small hit is won. Then, each of the above-mentioned payouts is paid out to the player, and one game ends. 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 the 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. The following BB (big hit) game is generated. When the symbol combination consisting of two symbols “upper glove” and “seven” or the symbol combination consisting of two symbols “lower glove” and “seven” is aligned on the winning line, the above-mentioned number of medals is paid. After being issued, the game shifts to the following RB (medium hit) game in which one high payout game can be executed.
[0030]
(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 occurs, and eight medals are paid out. Although "losing" occurs in the jack game, jack game winning occurs with a high probability of about 9/10. This RB game ends when, for example, a jackpot game prize occurs eight times or the total number of jackpot games executed during the RB game reaches, for example, twelve.
[0031]
(3) BB game
{Circle around (1)} The B / B game is a set of the above-described R / B game and the general game, which is formed a plurality of times (twice in the present embodiment). When a BB game occurs, first, a general game is executed. In the general game during this BB game, “out” also occurs, but small hits by three assorted symbols of “seven”, “upper glove”, and “lower glove”, “punching ball”, “gong” , And "Cherry" occur 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” which does not occur in the above-described general game also occurs.
[0032]
{Circle around (2)} When three combinations of the symbol “revenge” are arranged during the general game in the BB game, eight coins are paid out.
[0033]
(3) Thereafter, the process proceeds to a bonus game which is an RB game in which a plurality of jack games can be performed. The bonus game in the BB game is also terminated when, for example, a jackpot prize is generated eight times, or when the total number of jackpot games executed during the bonus game reaches, for example, twelve.
[0034]
{Circle around (4)} When the above-mentioned bonus game ends, the general game in the BB game described in the above-mentioned (1) is performed again, and the symbol combination described in the above-mentioned (2) occurs during this general game. Thereafter, the bonus game described in the above (3) is further performed. The BB game is a repetition of a series of a set of a general game and a bonus game shown in the above (1) to (3). If this set is performed a predetermined number of times, for example, twice, the BB game is It ends. However, during the BB game, the total number of games in the above (1) and (2) in the general game state, in other words, the total number of games excluding the number of jack games in the above (3) bonus game is a predetermined number of times. For example, if the number of times exceeds 30, the BB game ends.
[0035]
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.
[0036]
The control section of the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 7 has a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 63 as a main component, and further includes a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 63 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 64 for performing control operations according to a preset program, a program ROM (read only memory) 65 as a program storage means, and a control RAM with a backup function (random access memory). (Memory) 66. The CPU 64 is connected to a clock pulse generating circuit 67 for generating a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 68, a random number generator 69 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a random number sampling circuit 70 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. Have been. Further, an I / O port 71 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a peripheral device (actuator) described later is connected. The storage section of the ROM 32 is 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.
[0037]
In the circuit configuration shown in the figure, a random number generator 69 and a random number sampling circuit 70 which are separate circuits from the microcomputer 63 are used as the random number generating means and the random number sampling means. May be configured to execute random number sampling on the above operation program. 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.
[0038]
The main actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 30 include a stepping motor 45 for rotatingly driving the reels 2, 3, and 4, various lamps (game operation display lamps 13 to 15, a start lamp 17, a WIN lamp). 19), various display units (storage number display unit 16, chance LEDs 9 to 12, bonus count display unit 18, winning award number display unit 20), and a hopper 72 for storing medals. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display section drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71 of the microcomputer 63.
[0039]
The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal includes an inserted medal sensor 8S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 8, and an operation of the start lever 30. , A stored medal insertion switch 25 to 27, and a 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.
[0040]
After the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is started, the reel position detection circuit 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45, and writes the counted value to a predetermined area of the RAM 66. Therefore, the RAM 66 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation 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 given to the CPU 63 via the reel position detection circuit 77, and the count value of the drive pulse 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.
[0041]
Further, the input signal generating means includes a reel stop signal circuit 78 for generating a signal for stopping the corresponding reel when the stop button 31, 32, 33 is pressed, and counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 72. There is a medal detection unit 72S and a payout completion signal generation 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.
[0042]
A sub-controller communication port 79 is connected to the I / O port 71, and the microcomputer 63 sends a signal to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-controller communication port 79. The sub control board 62 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a main control unit communication port 88 for receiving this signal. Communication between the sub control unit communication port 79 and the main control unit communication port 88 is performed only in one direction from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88. In the present embodiment, 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.
[0043]
The control section of the sub-control board 62 has a microcomputer 81 as a main component, and further includes a circuit for random number sampling. Similarly to the microcomputer 63 on the main control board 61, the microcomputer 81 includes a sub CPU 82 which performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM 83 as a program storage means, 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 CPU 81, and further, an I / O for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the main controller 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.
[0044]
As an 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. Lighting of these back lamps 47a to 47c is controlled by a drive signal from a lamp drive circuit 89 connected to the I / O port 87. As input signal generating means for generating an input signal required for the microcomputer 81 to generate a control signal, there are the above-described cross key 23, A button 24, and B button 25.
[0045]
An image control IC (highly integrated circuit) 90 and a sound source IC 91 are connected to the I / O port 87. The image control IC 90 is connected to a character ROM 92 storing character data and a video RAM 93 serving as a color display display memory. The image control IC 90 controls the 7-inch liquid crystal display device 22 under the control of the microcomputer 81. An image is displayed on the screen. As described later, the microcomputer 81 captures 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, and displays an image based on the captured game state and the winning flag. Select a production pattern. Then, the image control IC 90 is controlled to display the selected pattern on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0046]
Further, as described later, information desired by the player can be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 by operating the cross key 23, the A button 24, and the B button 25.
[0047]
Further, 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 sound from a speaker 96 via a power amplifier 95 under the control of the microcomputer 81. As will be described later, the microcomputer 81 controls the sound source IC 91 and the power amplifier 95 in accordance with an instruction input from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88, and outputs a medal shooting sound, a start lever operation sound, and a stop sound. Sound effects such as a button operation sound and a game sound during a bonus game are output from the speaker 96.
[0048]
FIG. 9 conceptually shows a winning probability table stored in the ROM 65 of the main control board 61. The winning probability table is used to divide the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 70 into respective winning modes, and stores data for partitioning a certain range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 69 into the respective winning modes. . In the figure, a1 to a3, b1 to b3, c1 to c3, d1 to d3, e1 to e3, and f1 to f3 are preset numerical data, and the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 70 are divided into respective winning modes. It is used when doing. 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
[0049]
These numerical values are usually set in a magnitude relationship of “a <b <c <d <e <f”. If the extracted random number value is less than c, a small hit prize (small hit) is obtained. In this case, a "cherry" hit request flag is set. When the value is not less than a and less than b, a "gong" hit request flag is set. When the value is not less than b and less than c, a "punching ball" hit request flag is set. If the extracted random number value is equal to or larger than c and smaller 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 winning prize (medium hit) is set, and a request flag for “RB” is set. 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. If the value is equal to or larger than f, a request flag for "losing" without winning is set.
[0050]
In other words, the winning mode is determined by which numerical range one sampled random number belongs to, and is represented by the 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.
[0051]
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 above-mentioned reset pulse is generated, and symbols provided corresponding to each code number. The symbol code is stored. In the example of FIG. 3, when the first reel 2 stops at the rotation position of the code number “6” from the reference position, the symbol corresponding to the code of “B” appears in the center of the display window 5, and above and below it. Means that symbols corresponding to the codes "F" and "C" respectively appear.
[0052]
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 representing 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 performing a winning confirmation after stopping all the reels.
[0053]
Further, a program (sequence program) for executing a game in the slot machine 1 is stored in the ROM 65.
[0054]
Next, an operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment controlled by the above-described control circuit will be described.
[0055]
FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts showing the outline of the game processing controlled by the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61.
[0056]
First, an initialization process at the time of starting a game is performed (FIG. 11, step 101). In this initialization process, an effect initialization command is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62, 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 is composed of 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.
[0057]
Next, the main CPU 64 performs a RAM clearing process at the time of the end of the game for deleting the data stored in the RAM 66 at the time of the end of the previous game (step 102). 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, next, game medals corresponding to the insertion request are 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 switches 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 one medal can be inserted in a bonus game during a BB game or an RB game.
[0058]
In the above steps 104 and 105, the game medal insertion information, the sound independent effect instruction command, and the error effect instruction instruction are transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. The game medal insertion information includes a command type indicating game medal insertion and a parameter indicating the number of one to three inserted medals. By receiving the game medal insertion information, the sub CPU 82 grasps the number of medals inserted in the current game.
[0059]
The sound-only production instruction command includes a command type indicating a sound-only production instruction and an 8-bit parameter representing sound information, and is transmitted when sound is output from the speaker 96 without depending on the sub CPU 82. Is done. The sound information of the parameter 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, and the sound information turns on the production of any of these sounds. Or it includes an instruction to turn off. When the sound independent production instruction command is received by the sub-control board 62, any sound is emitted from the speaker 96 or the sound emitted from the speaker 96 is muted regardless of the control of the sub-CPU 82. Is done. In steps 104 and 105 described above, a sound-only effect instruction command for causing the game medal insertion sound to be emitted from the speaker 96 is transmitted from the main control board 61 to the sub-control board 62.
[0060]
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 receiving the error effect instruction command, the sub CPU 82 outputs an error sound from the speaker 96 or mutes the sound output from the speaker 96. In addition to the sound control, the sub CPU 82 causes the display of the liquid crystal display device 22 to display an error display screen, and causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display an error code. In the above steps 104 and 105, when any of the above-mentioned errors regarding 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.
[0061]
Next, it is determined whether or not a start signal has been input from the start switch 30S by operating the start lever 30 (step 106). If this determination is "YES", it is next determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game (step 107). If 4.1 seconds have 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 reel 96 outputs a reel rotation impossible sound. Can be
[0062]
When 4.1 seconds have passed since the last game, a random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 69 is extracted by the sampling circuit 70 (step 109), and thereafter, 1 for counting the above 4.1 seconds. A game monitoring timer is set (step 110). Next, a probability lottery process, that is, a winning determination is performed based on the random numbers extracted in step 109 (FIG. 12, step 111).
[0063]
This probability lottery process is performed in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, and the one random number value specified by the sampling circuit 70 belongs to which winning group in the winning probability table (see FIG. 9). The decision is made. 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 the lottery data table for each gaming state in FIG. 16, and the winning number 1 corresponds to the winning of the cherry.
[0064]
In this table, the number of lotteries, the lottery combinations, and the order are shown for each of the game states of the general game, the inside of BB and RB, and the general game during BB. In the game state of the general game, the number of lotteries is represented as six, and the lottery combinations of cherry, gong, punching ball, replay, RB, and BB, and their order 1 to 6 are represented. The above-mentioned winning numbers match 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.
[0065]
Next, the number of lotteries (four times) during the BB regular game 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 or not 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 BB or RB inside hit (four times) is set in the lottery number storage area (step 136). If the inside of the BB or RB is not hit, The number of lotteries during normal game (six times) is set in the lottery number storage area (step 137).
[0066]
Next, the number of medals inserted into the machine is checked (step 138), and subsequently, 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, as 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 the process of step 144 described later. The lottery data is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 33 (step 141). That is, the 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 there are two, the process proceeds to the process of step 144 described below. If not, the probability lottery data for three medals is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 33 (step 143). That is, the probability lottery data a3 to g3 when the number of inserted medals is three, as shown at the bottom of the winning probability table in FIG. 9, are set.
[0067]
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 assuming that the size of the probability lottery data is aw, and the process returns from step 148, which will be described later, and each time this step 144 is performed again, the size bw, cw, dw, ew, fw of the probability lottery data. Are sequentially added to the probability lottery value accumulation area. Here, the sizes aw, bw, cw, dw, ew, fw of the probability lottery data are the sizes of the respective sections of the winning mode in the winning probability table, and aw = a, bw = ba, cw = c− b, dw = dc, ew = ed, and fw = fe. By the first addition performed when the size of the probability lottery data is set to aw, the probability lottery value accumulated value D becomes aw.
[0068]
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 mode defined by the probability lottery data has been won (step 146). That is, it is determined whether the calculation result of XD 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 cumulative value D, the specified random number is determined. Belong to a winning mode 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 mode divided by a, that is, the internal winning is performed at the small win of the cherry, and the process is performed at step 150 described later. Proceed to
[0069]
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, and 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, each 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 148).
[0070]
If the lottery for the specified number of times has not been completed, the process returns to step 144, and bw, which is the size of the next probability lottery data, is added to the probability lottery value accumulation area. Thereafter, XD is calculated according to the processing of steps 145 and 146, 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. In this case, if the calculation result is negative, it is assumed that the random number specified by the sampling belongs to the winning mode divided by the probability lottery data b, and the lottery result is an internal win at the small hit of the gong, and the processing will be described later. To step 150.
[0071]
On the other hand, if the calculation result is positive, it is determined that the winning mode 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.
[0072]
When the number of lotteries reaches the specified number in step 148, the value X of the specified random number is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum value of the cumulative probability value D, and it is determined that the random number does not belong to any of the winning modes. The result is a loss. Therefore, the lost number 0 is set as the winning number (step 149).
[0073]
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", and any one of these types of hit request flags. Is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. If none of the hit request flags are set, "losing" occurs. Here, that the winning request flag is set means that the winning mode is internally won.
[0074]
The hit request flag is stored in the 1-byte hit request flag storage area secured in the RAM 66 as shown in FIG. For example, when bit 1 of this storage area is set to 1, it means that the hit request flag is "BB", and when bit 5 is set to 1, 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 indicates that a symbol combination corresponding to "BB" or "RB" is stopped on each of the reels 2 to 4 in the current game. If not, it will be carried over to the next game. For this reason, if the small hit prize mode is determined by the prize mode determining means in the next game of “BB internal hit” or “RB internal hit”, 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.
[0075]
The specific processing of the above steps 144 to 148 is as follows. When the range of the random numbers to be extracted is 0 to 16384, and the data at the time of betting three in the winning probability table shown in FIG. It is performed as follows.
[0076]
For example, if a random number 4050 is extracted in the general gaming state, X = 4050 and the initial D = 1200 (the size of the cherry hit section data aw). Therefore, the calculation of X-D is as follows.
[0077]
4050-1200 = 2850 (1)
Since the result 2850 of this calculation is a positive number, it is not won. The winning number set to 1 is added with 1 and the winning number is set to 2. Since the specified number of lotteries in the general gaming state is six, the specified number of lotteries is not 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.
[0078]
4050-2300 = 1750 (2)
Since 1750 of this calculation result is also a positive number, it is not won, and 1 is added to the winning number set to 2 and the winning number is set to 3. Here, since the lottery for the specified number 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 + 1800 = 4100, and the next X-D is calculated.
[0079]
4050-4100 = -50 (3)
Since the calculation result is a negative number, the winning is achieved, the winning number is 3, and the winning mode defined by the probability lottery data c, that is, the small hit winning mode of the punching ball is won.
[0080]
The probability lottery process in step 111 of FIG. 12 is performed as described above. Next, the main CPU 64 performs an effect selection process of selecting an effect pattern to be effect-displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 (FIG. 12, step 112). Various effect patterns are stored in advance in the ROM 83 of the sub-control board 62 for each game state. In the effect selection process in step 112, the effect patterns corresponding to the game state at that time are stored in advance. This is performed by appropriately selecting from the following.
[0081]
The game state is stored in a one-byte area called a game state status (game state flag) in the RAM 66 shown in FIG. 18A, and the game state at that time is indicated by hexadecimal data 01 to 05. I have. The game state stored in the game state status includes five types of “RB operating”, “BB operating”, “general game”, “BB inside hit”, and “RB inside hit”. is there.
[0082]
“RB operation in progress” indicates a gaming 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 can be performed once. "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. “Normal game” represents a game state in which neither BB nor RB wins occur, and a small hit prize occurs during the general game.
[0083]
The "BB inside hit" flag indicates that the BB hit request flag is set, but the predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 2 to 4, and the BB game has not yet entered. I have. “RB inside win” indicates that the RB hit request flag is set, but the predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 2 to 4 and the normal gaming state in which the RB game has not yet been entered. I have.
[0084]
In the above step 112, 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.
[0085]
The game start information is composed of a command type indicating a game start and a 24-bit parameter indicating the hit request flag and the like, and is transmitted after the operation of the start lever 30 is detected and the probability lottery process is performed. . 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 upper bits 15 to 23. For example, when a bit is set at bit 15, the hit request flag is cherry, and when a bit is set at bit 16, the hit request flag is gong, and similarly, bits 17, 18, 19 are indicated. , 20 indicate that the hit request flags are punching ball, replay, RB, and BB, respectively.
[0086]
Also, when the current gaming state is the general gaming state, the lower bits 0 to 14 of the parameter represent the effect type information selected by the main CPU 64 as a result of the effect selecting process. When the current gaming state is the RB gaming state, the lower bits 0 to 3 of the parameter represent the number of times the jack game can be played (12 to 1), and the bits 8 and 9 are operable for the RB game. Indicates the number of times (3 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 are the same as those in the RB gaming state. Similarly, it indicates the number of operable times (3 to 0) of the RB game.
[0087]
Upon receiving the game start information, when the current game state is the general game state, the sub CPU 82 makes the speaker 96 emit a game start sound and causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to perform reel rotation display. In addition, at the time of the general game in which the inside of the BB or RB is hit, the sound effect group of the chance effect is output from the speaker 96 and the liquid crystal display device 22 performs the opportunity effect. When the current game state is the RB game state, the game start sound and the sound effect group of the RB game effect are output from the speaker 96 and the RB game effect display is performed on the liquid crystal display device 22. When the current game state is the BB game state, a game start sound and a sound effect group of the BB game effect are output from the speaker 96, and the BB game effect and the remaining number of BB game effects are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. Display.
[0088]
Next, a predetermined area of the RAM 66 where the rotation positions of the reels 2 to 4 are written is initialized by the main CPU 64 at the start of reel rotation, and subsequently, the reels 2 to 4 are 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 in FIG. 12). 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.
[0089]
When any one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is turned on or the automatic stop timer becomes 0, the number of symbols of symbols drawn on the activation line, that is, the number of sliding symbols 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.
[0090]
The gaming state is shown in the gaming state status shown in FIG. 18A, and the winning request is shown by the hit request flag shown in FIG.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 19, the number of control frames is stored as a table in the ROM 65 in accordance with the order of the symbols for which the pull-in control is prioritized. 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. When the winning request is made simultaneously for the two types of winning modes as described above, or when the winning mode is determined by the winning mode determining means, a winning mode having a higher priority according to the predetermined priority order. The symbol corresponding to is preferentially drawn. The number of control frames is a frame number within a range in which the pull-in control is possible. During a general game, each winning combination is set to a maximum of four frames.
[0092]
The symbol position is position data of each of the reels 2 to 4 written in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. The symbol position is data of a symbol present at each activation line at that time, and is stored as a symbol code shown in FIG.
[0093]
When determining the number of sliding pieces, first, the current game state is referred to, and a priority order table according to the game state is selected. That is, the table shown in FIG. 19 is selected in the general gaming state. 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 or not 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.
[0094]
Next, the number of sliding frames is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. Thereafter, the stop request flag of 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).
[0095]
At this time, the 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 a reel stop and a 24-bit parameter indicating stop reel information, and is transmitted each 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 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 4. Upon receiving the reel stop information, the sub CPU 82 outputs a reel stop sound from the speaker 96 and causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display a reel rotation stop display.
[0096]
If two of the three reels 2 to 4 are stopped and the same bonus symbol is stopped (tempered) on the activated pay line, the sub-controller communication is performed in step 116. A port 79 sends a sound-only effect instruction command to the sub-control board 62. The sound-only production instruction command is the command described in steps 104 and 105 described above. The sound-only production instruction command transmitted in step 116 includes BB winning expected sound 1 or BB winning expected sound 2 as a parameter. Directive. When the sub CPU 82 receives the sound independent production instruction command, the sub CPU 82 outputs the expected BB winning sound 1 or the expected BB winning sound 2 from the speaker 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.
[0097]
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.
[0098]
The reel stop processing of steps 113 to 117 is performed as follows during a general game, for example.
[0099]
For example, when the ON operation of the first reel stop button 31 is detected, the drive pulse supplied to the stepping motor 45 of the first reel 2 at the time when the first reel stop button 31 is operated by the player. The number is read from the RAM 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).
[0100]
In this case, when the big hit hit request flag is set, it is checked whether or not there is a symbol constituting the big hit on the activated pay line in the observation window 5. Similarly, when the hit request flag of the middle hit and the small hit is set, it is checked whether or not there is a symbol constituting the middle 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 64 immediately stops the first reel 2.
[0101]
If the symbol corresponding to the hit request flag does not appear on the activated pay line in the observation window 5 as a result of the above check processing, the first reel 2 is further rotated by the number of control frames (four symbols). Check what symbols appear on the screen. If there is a symbol corresponding to the hit request flag, 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.
[0102]
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 this stop control process, it is assumed that, in the state where the second reel 3 is rotating, first, 21 symbols of each of the code numbers 1 to 21 are stopped on the pay line L1 at the center of the observation window 6, and the effective The combination with the symbol of the first reel 2 which has already stopped on the winning 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.
[0103]
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 stops at the 21 rotation positions with respect to the symbol determined by stopping the first reel 2. At this time, it is sequentially determined what kind of winning may occur on the activated winning line. For example, if the first reel 2 is stopped as shown in FIG. 20A, the symbol combination pattern at that time is checked assuming 21 stop positions of the second reel 3. For example, if the second reel 3 is stopped at the code number "1" in the center of the observation window 6 as shown in FIG. 6B, the symbols on the respective pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B are set. The combination is as shown in FIG.
[0104]
The arrow on the third reel 4 is a rotation code indicating that the reel is rotating, but depending on the stop position of the third reel, there is a possibility that a big hit prize of "AAAA" may be generated on the prize line L3A. . Therefore, for the code number “1” of 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.
[0105]
The prediction flag data written in the RAM 66 in this manner is referred to at the time of the stop control 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 so that the symbol of the big hit stops.
[0106]
Next, when an ON operation of the stop button 33 of the third reel 4 is detected, a stop control process 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 combination of the symbols has been specified. Therefore, the combination of these symbols is assigned to each code number of the third reel 4. The possibility of winning is determined, and a winning expected flag is set in the same manner as in the table shown in FIG.
[0107]
This 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 third reel is set so that the big hit symbol stops on the activated pay line. 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 which are already stopped. The reel stop position is controlled so as not to be obtained.
[0108]
When such a reel stop control process is completed for all the reels 2 to 4, all the reel stop information is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. The 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 the reels 2 to 4 is confirmed.
[0109]
Next, a reel lamp blinking process after stopping all reels is performed (step 118 in FIG. 13). Upon receiving the all-reel stop information, the sub CPU 82 controls the lamp drive circuit 89 in accordance with the effect pattern selected in the effect selection process of step 112 to control the respective back lamps 47a, 47b, 47c of the reels 2 to 4. Blinks in a predetermined pattern. Next, when a winning has occurred, the WIN lamp 19 is turned on by the main CPU 64 (step 119).
[0110]
Next, a winning search process is performed by the main CPU 64 (step 120). In the prize search process, the type of the prize flag indicating the combination of symbols actually arranged on the activated prize 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 121). 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 122).
[0111]
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 steps 104 and 105. In step 122, an error effect instruction command indicating an illegal hit error is transmitted as a parameter.
[0112]
If the winning flag is normal, then, depending on the state at that time, a game medal is stored or paid out (step 123). In other words, in the 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 performed by inserting medals into the slot 8. In this state, the number of medals obtained by winning is paid out to the tray 34.
[0113]
In this step 123, 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 winning and a 24-bit parameter indicating 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. The upper 4 bits of the bits 4 to 7 represent the number of payout medals, and the upper 5 bits of the bits 8 to 12 represent the type of the winning line in which the winning symbol combination is completed. Further, the higher bits 13 to 24 indicate the type of the hit request flag set in the probability lottery process in step 111.
[0114]
Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is in operation of the BB game or the RB game (step 124). If the BB game or the RB game is not running, the game processing by the main CPU 64 returns to step 102, and the next new game is started. If the BB game or the RB game is in operation, the number of games in the BB game or the RB game is checked by the main CPU 64 (step 125).
[0115]
In this step 125, 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 during the BB game ends. Alternatively, it is transmitted at the end of the BB game. The parameter indicates whether the RB game has been completed and the RB game has ended normally, whether the second RB game in the BB game has ended, whether the first RB game in the BB game has ended, or whether the RB game has ended. The status information indicates whether the BB game has been completed normally after the game has been completed, or whether the BB game has been completed by puncturing before shifting to the second RB game. When receiving the bonus game state change instruction command, the sub CPU 82 mutes the RB operation sound output from the speaker 96 or outputs the BB operation sound. At the same time, the sub CPU 82 causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display a BB game effect display or a BB end effect display.
[0116]
Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is at the end of the BB game (step 126). If the BB game is over, a RAM clear process at the end of the BB game is performed on the RAM 66 (step 127), and then the game process returns to step 102 to start the next new game. If it is not the end of the BB game in step 126, the game processing returns to step 102 and the next new game is started.
[0117]
In the RAM clear processing of step 127, the operation information at the time of BB termination is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. This operation information is composed of a command type indicating the operation at the end of the BB and an 8-bit parameter indicating the state information. When the game becomes possible after the end of the BB game, the automatic payment is set. Sent when it is on or when it is set to stop. 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. When the sub CPU 82 receives the operation information at the end of the BB, the sub CPU 82 causes the speaker 96 to output a medal payout sound or a stop sound.
[0118]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process related to guide menu display among processes controlled by the sub CPU 82 of the sub control board 62.
[0119]
The sub CPU 82 first displays an initial guide menu screen shown in FIG. 23A on the liquid crystal display device 22 (FIG. 22, step 161). The guide menu screen is configured such that various menus are displayed in a vertical direction, and a menu that is located at the center and has a left end protruding leftward is displayed in reverse to the background screen. On the right side of the screen, a brief description of the currently selected menu is displayed in reverse video. When the cross key 23 is operated in the vertical direction, the menu displayed on the screen is scrolled in the vertical direction in which the operation was performed. By this operation, for example, the “HELP level selection” menu, which is highlighted as shown in FIG. 7A, is changed to the “Slump graph” menu, which is highlighted at the center position of the screen, as shown in FIG. Will be done.
[0120]
When the A button 24 is pressed, the menu that is highlighted in the center of the screen and selected is determined as a menu to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. When the B button 25 is pressed, the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 is returned from the screen determined and displayed by the A button 24 to the original guide menu screen.
[0121]
Of these guide menu screens, a screen of a predetermined menu can be displayed as a shortcut menu from a normal effect screen, not from the guide menu screen shown in FIG. When a normal operation screen, that is, a screen for game effects other than the guide menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22, when the player operates the cross key 23, a shortcut shown in FIG. The operation explanation screen appears.
[0122]
Shortcut processing for directly displaying a predetermined menu screen is performed by the sub CPU 82 along the flow chat shown in FIG. That is, the sub CPU 82 first determines whether or not the effect screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 (FIG. 28, step 181). If the effect screen is not displayed, the shortcut processing ends. If the effect screen is displayed, next, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed by the player. (Step 182). If the predetermined operation is not performed, the shortcut processing ends. If the predetermined operation is performed, the sub CPU 82 causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display a menu corresponding to the operation (step 183).
[0123]
The above-described predetermined operation is an operation described on the operation explanation screen shown in FIG. 27, and includes four types of up / down / left / right operations of the cross key 23 determined by the directions of the vertices of the triangle “三角形”, and up / down / left / right operations. And a pressing operation of the B button 25 (such as B + △).
[0124]
That is, when the cross key 23 is operated upward by the player during the effect screen, the medal information screen appears on the liquid crystal display device 22 by the above-described shortcut processing, and when the cross key 23 is operated downward, the reach eye screen appears. When the cross key 23 is operated leftward, a bonus winning number screen appears on the liquid crystal display device 22 when it is operated rightward. When a combination operation of the pressing of the B button 25 and the upward operation of the cross key 23 is performed, a small winning combination information screen appears on the liquid crystal display device 22, and the pressing operation of the B button 25 and the operation of the cross key 23 are performed. When a combination operation with the lower operation is performed, a message display selection screen appears on the liquid crystal display device 22. Further, when a combination operation of the pressing operation of the B button 25 and the left operation of the cross key 23 is performed, a game history screen appears on the liquid crystal display device 22, and the pressing operation of the B button 25 and the right operation of the cross key 23 are performed. Is performed, a slump graph screen appears on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0125]
When the initial guide menu screen is displayed in step 161 of FIG. 22, next, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not there is a HELP level selection display request by operating the A button 24 with “HELP level selection” highlighted. Is determined (step 162). When the display request is made, the sub CPU 82 displays the HELP level selection screen shown in FIG. On the HELP level selection screen, there are buttons for “elementary HELP”, “intermediate HELP”, and “no HELP”, and one of the buttons is highlighted. Any of these buttons can be selected by operating the cross key 23 up and down. When the A button 24 is operated, HELP of the selected level is performed (step 163).
[0126]
When the button of “elementary HELP” or “intermediate HELP” is selected and determined, a game operation assisting message of the selected skill level is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 22 according to the game situation. This game operation assistance message is stored in the RAM 84 of the sub control board 62. Since the RAM 84 has a backup function, the stored contents will not be lost even if the power of the slot machine 1 is cut off. Further, when the button of “no HELP” is selected and determined, the game operation assisting message is not displayed.
[0127]
Here, the RAM 84 constitutes storage means for storing game operation auxiliary information created according to the skill level of the player, and the sub-microcomputer 81 and the liquid crystal display device 22 store the game operation information stored in this storage means. A transmission means for transmitting the auxiliary information by appealing to the player's vision is configured. Further, the sub-microcomputer 81, the cross key 23, and the A button 24 constitute a selecting means for selecting a skill level of the game operation auxiliary information transmitted to the player by the transmitting means. This selection means has an option "no HELP" for not transmitting the game operation auxiliary information by the transmission means.
[0128]
Next, the sub CPU determines whether or not there is a guide menu display request other than the HELP level selection menu (step 164). If there is no other guide menu display request, the sub CPU shifts the processing to the first step 161. When there is another guide menu display request, that is, when there is another display request screen selected by the cross key 23 and determined by the A button 24, the guide menu screen selected by the liquid crystal display device 22 is displayed. Is displayed (step 165).
[0129]
FIG. 29 shows details of the help function display process performed by the sub CPU 82 in the above-described steps 162 and 163. The sub CPU 82 determines whether or not various commands have been received from the main control board 61 (FIG. 29, step 191), and upon receiving the command, the sub CPU 82 determines the received command and the selected HELP level. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 (step 192), and the received command is explained according to the selection level.
[0130]
FIG. 25 shows a list of game operation assisting messages displayed to the player when "elementary HELP" is selected.
[0131]
When the gaming machine is “during a general game during the demonstration”, a message “Please insert a coin” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. In addition, in the "during the general game during the BB game during the demonstration", since a game can be played with a maximum of three bets, the message "The BB game is in progress. Please insert three coins" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. Is displayed. Also, at the time of the “RB game during demonstration”, since the game is played with one bet, a message “The RB game is in progress. Please insert one coin” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. Here, “demonstration” refers to a state in which a demonstration screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 in a state where the player is not playing a game. Whether or not the gaming machine is being demonstrated is determined based on a demo display command transmitted from the main control board 61.
[0132]
In addition, when the gaming machine has not inserted any coins, the message “Please insert coins” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 at the time of “the normal game in the coin insertion waiting state (0 coins)”. . In addition, during the “regular game during the BB game in the coin insertion waiting state (0 coins)”, a message “The BB game is in progress. Please insert three coins” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. In addition, during the “RB game in a coin insertion waiting state (0 coins)”, a message “The RB game is in progress. Please insert one coin” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0133]
In addition, when the gaming machine has only one coin inserted therein and “at the time of a general game in a coin insertion waiting state (one coin)”, the game can bet with a maximum of three coins. Insert or lower the start lever. Betting 3 will increase the probability of winning. " In addition, during the “Basic game during BB game in coin insertion waiting state (1),” “On the BB game. Please insert 2 more coins on the liquid crystal display device 22. The winning probability will be higher. "
[0134]
In addition, when the gaming machine has inserted two coins, “when a general game is in a coin insertion waiting state (two coins)”, “insert more coins or lower the start lever on the liquid crystal display device 22. The more you bet, the higher the probability of winning. " In addition, during the “Basic game during BB game in the coin waiting state (two coins)”, “The BB game is in progress. Please insert one more coin. The winning probability will be higher. "
[0135]
When the gaming machine is in the “waiting for start lever” state, the liquid crystal display device 22 displays “Starting the game by lowering the start lever” in any of the general game, the general game during the BB game, and the RB game. "Message appears. Here, the “start lever waiting state” refers to a state in which the maximum inserted number at that time has already been bet. Whether or not the gaming machine is in the start lever waiting state is determined based on a game medal information command transmitted from the main control board 61.
[0136]
Also, when the gaming machine is waiting for the operation of the first stop button, "when the general game is in the STOP1 waiting state", press the liquid crystal display device 22 with the aim of (symbol) red 7 on the left (reel). Is displayed, and the points of the pressing operation in the gaming state at that time are taught. Here, the eye-pressing operation refers to the timing of the symbols that sequentially appear in the windows 5 to 7, and presses the stop buttons 31 to 33 at a predetermined timing to stop the desired symbols at the desired positions of the windows 5 to 7. This means the operation to be displayed. In addition, at the time of “the general game during the BB game in the waiting state of STOP1”, a message “Please push aiming at 15 sheets” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22, and the point of the pushing operation in the gaming state at that time is displayed. disciplinable. Also, during the “STOP 1 waiting state of RB game”, a message “Press the left (reel)” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0137]
Here, "during the STOP1 waiting state" indicates a state where all the reels 2 to 4 are rotating and none of the reels is stopped. Which game the gaming machine is in the STOP1 waiting state is determined based on a command of reel stop information or game start information transmitted from the main control board 61.
[0138]
In addition, when the gaming machine is waiting for the operation of the second stop button “at the time of a general game in a waiting state of STOP2”, the liquid crystal display device 22 is pressed to aim at (symbol) red 7 in the middle (reel). Is displayed, and the points of the pressing operation in the gaming state at that time are taught. In addition, at the time of "the normal game during the BB game in the STOP2 waiting state", a message "Please push for the 15-sheet combination" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22, and the point of the pushing operation in the gaming state at that time is displayed. disciplinable. In addition, a message “press the middle (reel)” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 during “the RB game in the STOP2 waiting state”.
[0139]
Here, "during STOP2 waiting state" indicates a state in which one of the reels 2 to 4 is stopped and the other two reels are rotating. Which game the gaming machine is in the STOP2 waiting state is also determined based on a command of reel stop information and game start information transmitted from the main control board 61.
[0140]
In addition, when the gaming machine is waiting for the operation of the third stop button “at the time of a general game in a waiting state of STOP3”, the liquid crystal display device 22 presses the “symbol” red 7 to the right (reel). Is displayed, and the points of the pressing operation in the gaming state at that time are taught. In addition, at the time of "the general game during the BB game in the STOP3 waiting state", a message "Please push for the 15-sheet role" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22, and the point of the pressing operation in the gaming state at that time is displayed. disciplinable. In addition, at the time of the RB game in the STOP3 waiting state, a message “Press the right (reel)” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0141]
Here, “during STOP3 waiting state” refers to a state in which any two of the reels 2 to 4 are stopped and the other reel is rotating. Which game the gaming machine is in the STOP3 waiting state is also determined based on the reel stop information and game start information commands transmitted from the main control board 61.
[0142]
Also, when the gaming machine "stops all reels when a BB game (or RB game) wins during a general game", "????" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. The BB game (or RB game) is started. "here,'? ? ? ? 'Indicates a symbol aligned with the winning line. In addition, at the time of “all stops when a small role prize occurs during a general game”, the liquid crystal display device 22 displays a message that “???? Is displayed. here,'? ? ? ? “Sheet” represents the number of medals paid out corresponding to the winning combination. In addition, at the time of “when the replay prize is generated during a general game and all cylinders are stopped”, a message is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 that “Replay is complete. You can play again by lowering the start lever.” You. In addition, at the time of “all stops when a slip occurs during a general game”, a message “It's a slip. Please try next time” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0143]
In addition, “when the small role prize is awarded during the general game during the BB game and when the torso is stopped all the time”, the liquid crystal display device 22 displays “???? A message is displayed. In addition, at the time of “all stops during replay winning during a general game during the BB game”, a message “Replay is complete. Regular bonus start” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. In addition, at the time of “all stops when a gap occurs during a general game during the BB game”, a message “Missing. Remaining ???? Game” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. here,'? ? ? ? "Game" indicates the number of remaining BB games that can be performed 30 times.
[0144]
In addition, in the case of “when the small role prize occurs during the RB game and the entire body stops,” a message that “???? has been prepared. 15 cards will be paid out” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. . In addition, at the time of “all stops when a gap occurs during the RB game”, a message “Missing. Remaining ???? Game” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. here,'? ? ? ? "Game" represents the number of remaining games of the regular bonus game (jack game) that can be performed 12 times.
[0145]
FIG. 26 shows a list of game operation assisting messages displayed to the player when "intermediate HELP" is selected.
[0146]
When the gaming machine is “during a general game during the demonstration”, a message “Please insert a coin” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. In addition, a message “BB game is in progress” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 at “during a general game during a BB game during a demonstration”. In addition, a message “during an RB game” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 during “during an RB game during demonstration”.
[0147]
Further, when the gaming machine is “at the time of a general game in a coin insertion waiting state”, a message “Please insert a coin” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. In addition, a message “BB game is in progress” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 during “general game during BB game in a coin insertion waiting state”. In addition, during the “RB game in the coin insertion waiting state”, a message “the RB game is in progress” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0148]
When the gaming machine is in the “start lever waiting state”, a message “Please start” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 in any of the general game, the general game during the BB game, and the RB game. Is displayed.
[0149]
In addition, the gaming machine is “waiting for a STOP1” waiting for operation of a first stop button, “waiting for a STOP2” waiting for operation of a second stop button, and waiting for operation of a third stop button. In any of the general games in the “STOP3 waiting state”, an effective message is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 in correspondence with the winning small combination. In addition, at the time of the general game during any of these waiting BB games, similarly, an effective message is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 in correspondence with the winning small combination. In addition, in any of the RB games in the waiting state, a message that “RB game is in progress” is displayed on liquid crystal display device 22.
[0150]
In addition, when the gaming machine is “at the time of stopping the entire torso when a BB game (or RB game) winning occurs during a general game”, “????” is prepared on the liquid crystal display device 22. BB game (Or RB game) start "is displayed. In addition, a message "???? has been prepared" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 at the time of "all stops at the time of a small winning combination during a general game". In addition, a message "replay has been prepared" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 at "when the replay prize is generated during a general game and the entire body is stopped". In addition, at the time of “all stops when a slip occurs during a general game”, a message “missing ???? missing” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0151]
here,'? ? ? ? 'Indicates that although the winning combination was internally won, the symbols of the internally won winning combinations could not be aligned on the activated winning line, and actual winnings could not be obtained Symbol. The determination as to what kind of prize has occurred in what kind of game state is made based on the information of the internal winning combination in the game start information command transmitted from the main control board 61 and the information of the prize type in the prize information command. Is
[0152]
In addition, a message "???? has been prepared" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 at the time of "all bodies stopped when a small role winning occurs during a general game during a BB game". In addition, a message that “replay is complete” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 when “all the torso stops when a replay winning occurs during a general game during the BB game”. In addition, "when the entire torso is stopped when a gap occurs during the general game during the BB game", that is, no prize was obtained in the general game during the BB game (no prize combination on the activated prize line). If not, one of the following messages is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0153]
In other words, if no internal prize has been won for any of the winning combinations, a message of “losing” is displayed. In addition, if the winning combination cannot be aligned on the activated winning line even though some winning combination has been internally won, the message “???? In particular, when the winning combination of the replay that enters the RB game cannot be arranged, a message of “replay removal succeeded!” Is displayed.
[0154]
In addition, a message “the RB game is in progress” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 at the time of “when the small body wins during the RB game and the entire body stops.”
[0155]
As described above, the game operation assistance message displayed to the player when “intermediate HELP” is selected is rudimentary because the game skill level is higher than the message displayed when “elementary HELP” is selected. The detailed contents are simplified, and a message with higher contents is displayed as the game skill level is higher.
[0156]
According to such a slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game operation assist message transmitted to the player is a game operation assist message of the skill level selected by the cross key 23 and the A button 24, that is, an elementary HELP message. Or an intermediate HELP message. For this reason, the player can obtain a game operation assistance message according to his or her skill level, and receive appropriate support.
[0157]
In this embodiment, the display of the game operation assisting message can be stopped by selecting the option without HELP. For this reason, a game expert who sufficiently knows the game operation is not forced to use a game operation auxiliary message that is not required, and is not bothered by the message.
[0158]
In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the selection levels of the game operation assisting messages are three levels of the initial pitch level, the intermediate level, and no help. However, depending on the gaming machine, the selection level of the game operation assistance message may be two levels, or the game operation assistance message may be divided into a plurality of levels of three or more, and the game operation assistance message corresponding to each level division may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. May be displayed.
[0159]
Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the transmission means for transmitting the game operation assistance message to the player is a liquid crystal display device has been described. However, the transmission means does not need to be limited to the liquid crystal display device. It is also possible to use other visual appealing LEDs (light emitting diodes), CRTs (cathode ray tubes), 7-segment displays, dot matrix displays, and the like. Further, the transmission means may be constituted by, for example, a speaker 96 or the like which appeals to the hearing of the player, and may transmit a game operation assistance message to the player by voice.
[0160]
Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a ball game machine such as a pinball game machine and an arrange ball game machine. .
[0161]
Even when a gaming machine is realized with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.
[0162]
As described above, according to the present invention, the game operation auxiliary information transmitted to the player becomes the game operation auxiliary information of the skill level selected by the selection unit, and the selection unit transmits the game operation auxiliary information by the transmission unit. Have the option of not transmitting information. For this reason, the player can obtain the game operation auxiliary information according to his or her skill level, receive appropriate support, and the player who sufficiently knows the game operation can obtain the unnecessary game operation auxiliary information. There is no compulsion and no trouble with the game operation assist information. Therefore, according to the present invention, support capable of responding to a wide range of players can be provided by one transmission means such as an image display device.
[0163]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a player can receive appropriate support by obtaining game operation assistance information according to his or her skill level. In addition, a player who sufficiently knows a game operation is not forced to provide unnecessary game operation auxiliary information and is not bothered by the game operation auxiliary information. For this reason, support that can respond to a wide range of players can be provided by one transmission means such as an image display device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an 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.
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 the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration configured on a main control board of the slot machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration configured on a sub-control board of the slot machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing a winning probability table used in the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing a symbol table used in the present embodiment.
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.
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.
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.
FIG. 14 is a first flowchart showing a probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a second flowchart showing the probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12;
16 is a view 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 the contents of a storage area secured in the 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 assigned to and read from each of the 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 a game process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart schematically showing a processing operation by a sub CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a view showing a guide menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a view showing a HELP level selection screen displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a view showing a list of game operation assistance messages displayed on the liquid crystal display device when an elementary HELP level is selected from among the HELP functions of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a view showing a list of game operation assisting messages displayed on the liquid crystal display device when an intermediate HELP level is selected from among the HELP functions of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a shortcut operation explanation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a shortcut process for displaying a shortcut operation explanation screen on the liquid crystal display device of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a help function display process for displaying a HELP level selection screen on the liquid crystal display device of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Slot machine
2,3,4 ... reel
5,6,7 ... Display window
8 ... Medal slot
9-12… Chance LED
13-15: Game operation indicator lamp
16: Stored number display
17 ... Start lamp
18 ... Bonus count display
19. WIN lamp
20 ... Payout number display
21 ... Insert lamp
22 ... Liquid crystal display device
23 ... Cross key
24 ... A button
25 ... B button
26-28 ... Reserved medal switch
29… Reserved medal settlement switch
30 ... Start lever
31, 32, 33 ... stop button
34… Medal tray
35… Medal payout exit

Claims (5)

Storage means for storing game operation auxiliary information created in accordance with the skill level of the player; transmission means for transmitting the game operation auxiliary information stored in the storage means to the player; A selection means for selecting a skill level of the game operation auxiliary information transmitted to the game device, and having an option not to transmit the game operation auxiliary information by the transmission means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the selection means includes an operation switch provided on a front surface of the game machine. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmitting means transmits the game operation assist information to the player by appealing to the player's sight or hearing. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the transmission means is a liquid crystal display device or a speaker. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine or a ball and ball gaming machine.

Images