JP2005205097A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interesting game machine for allowing a player to advance a game by noting the state of change display after an operating means is operated, for example. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 includes: a game start command means for outputting a game start command signal in response to an operation by the player; a change display means for changing and displaying identification information necessary for the game based on the game start command signal from the game start command means; a stop command means for outputting a stop command signal in response to the operation of the operating means to be operated by the player; a change stop state determining means for determining the state of the change display after the stop command means outputs the stop command signal based on information concerning the game; and a stop control means for stopping the change display based on the determination result of the change stop state determining means when the stop command means outputs the stop command signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  For example, a slot machine equipped with a stop button, a so-called pachislot machine, has a variable display device configured by arranging a plurality of mechanical rotating reels that display a plurality of symbols in the front display window, or a symbol on the reel on the screen. It has an electrical fluctuation display device for displaying. In response to the player's start operation, the control means drives the variable display device to rotate the reels to display the symbols in a variable manner. After a certain period of time, either automatically or by the player's stop operation, Stop rotation sequentially. At this time, when the symbols of the reels appearing in the display window are in a specific combination (winning symbol), the player is given a profit by paying out game media such as coins and medals.

  Currently, the mainstream model has a plurality of types of winning modes. In particular, when a winning combination of a predetermined combination is established, the game state is better in condition than the normal state for a predetermined period of time, instead of completing one coin payout. As such a combination, a combination that can play a game that gives a relatively large profit to the player a predetermined number of times (referred to as “Big Bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “BB”) and a relatively small profit to the player There is a role that can play a predetermined number of games (referred to as “regular bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”).

  In addition, in the current mainstream models, a predetermined combination of symbols is arranged along an activated pay line (hereinafter referred to as an “effective line”), and in order to establish a win in which coins, medals, etc. are paid out, A symbol indicating the winning of a winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and a winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) through a typical lottery process (hereinafter referred to as “internal lottery”) The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the combination can be stopped on the active line. In other words, no matter how much the internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, a winning cannot be established. That is, gaming machines that require skill in the timing of the stop operation (the high importance of technical intervention called “to push”) are currently mainstream.

  In such a gaming machine, a request generating means for determining a type of winning corresponding to the sampled random number and generating a request signal corresponding to the type of winning, and stop controlling the reel based on the request signal. A device using reel stop control means and means for carrying the request signal to the next and subsequent games when a winning corresponding to the request signal cannot be obtained is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

According to this gaming machine, a request signal for winning a prize is generated based on a sampled random number, and reel stop control is started based on the request signal. If the winning control satisfying the request signal is not obtained as a result of the reel stop control, the request signal is carried over after the next game, so that the request signal can be used effectively. become.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-220884

  However, in the gaming machine as described above, an interesting gaming machine is desired by an approach from another viewpoint.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an interesting gaming machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and in a gaming machine, the mode of variation display until the stop control means stops the variation display is determined based on information relating to the game. Fluctuation stop mode determining means is provided.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) A game start command means for outputting a game start command signal in response to an operation by the player, and a change for variably displaying identification information required for the game based on the game start command signal from the game start command means A display means, a stop command means for outputting a stop command signal in response to an operation of an operation means operated by a player, and a mode of the variable display after the stop command means outputs the stop command signal. A variable stop mode determining unit that is determined based on information; and a stop control unit that stops the variable display based on a determination result of the variable stop mode determining unit when the stop command unit outputs the stop command signal. A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  (2) In the gaming machine according to (1), a first probability state in which a probability that the stop control unit can stop a specific stop mode advantageous to a player is a first probability, and the stop control. Probability state transition means for transitioning a probability state between a second probability state in which the means is capable of stopping the specific stop mode is a second probability that is higher than the first probability. The gaming machine is characterized in that the information on the game is the probability state.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being able to provide the novel game which has not existed before, the interest of a game increases.

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

  A panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1, and vertically long display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided at the center thereof. The display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as winning lines, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in the diagonal direction.

  These winning lines are respectively operated by operating a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal slot 22, respectively. The book is activated. Which winning line is activated is displayed by turning on BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c, which will be described later.

  Here, the winning lines 8a to 8e relate to success / failure of the winning combination. Specifically, one symbol (for example, “cherry (symbol 97)” described later)) corresponding to a predetermined combination (for example, a small cherry small role described later) corresponds to a predetermined position (for example, “cherry (pattern 97)” described later). If the number of BETs to be described later is “3”, the symbol is stopped and displayed at the middle position in the left display window 4L), or the symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination is activated. A predetermined winning combination is won by stopping and displaying in a predetermined position corresponding to the winning line.

  Inside the cabinet 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R each having a symbol row constituted by a plurality of types of symbols on each outer peripheral surface are rotatably provided in a horizontal row to form a variable display means. doing. The design of each reel can be observed through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Each reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm).

  On the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, and an information display unit 18 are provided. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”). Here, in this embodiment, one game ends when all reels stop.

  The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the BET number is “1” and one winning line is activated. The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the BET number is “2” and three pay lines are activated. The maximum BET lamp 9c is turned on when the number of BETs is “3” and all (5) winning lines are activated. The information display unit 18 is composed of 7 segment LEDs, and displays the number of medals stored (credited), the number of medals paid out at the time of winning a prize, the number of games in the BB general gaming state described later, and the like.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Various effects are performed on the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5, and information related to the game is notified to the player through the effects. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, and a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  The 1-BET switch 11 bets one of the credited medals on the game by a single pressing operation, and the 2-BET switch 12 displays the credited medals by a single pressing operation. Two of them are bet on the game, and the maximum BET switch 13 bets the maximum number of medals that can be bet on one game. By operating these BET switches, a predetermined pay line is activated as described above.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid-out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 16. On the right side of the C / P switch 14, the reel is rotated by the player's operation, and the start lever 6 for starting the display of the variation of the symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is rotated within a predetermined angle range. It is attached movably.

  Three stop buttons (stop operation means) 7L, 7C for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5, respectively. 7R is provided. Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16.

  In this embodiment, the reel stop operation (stop button operation) performed when all the reels are rotating is “first stop operation”, and the next stop operation is “second stop operation”. ”And“ second stop operation ”are referred to as“ third stop operation ”. Further, operating the left stop button 7L as the “first stop operation” is referred to as “forward pressing”. Operating the center stop button 7C as the “first stop operation” is referred to as “middle press”. Operating the right stop button 7R as “first stop operation” is referred to as “reverse pressing”.

  FIG. 2 shows the reel unit 3U provided inside the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the reel unit 3U. FIG. 2 (2) is a side view of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R constituting the reel unit 3U.

  The reel unit 3U includes three mounting plates 80L, 80C, and 80R, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and three stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R that individually rotate and drive the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. It is equipped with.

  Inside each mounting plate 80L, 80C, 80R, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged so as to be able to rotate in either direction of arrow d1 or arrow d2. Specifically, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotatably supported by reel posts (not shown) that extend from the surface of the mounting plate 80 in the horizontal direction.

  The mounting plate 80 is provided with a reel position detection circuit 50 (FIG. 10 to be described later) for detecting the rotation position of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within the rotation radius r1 of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Yes.

  Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is composed of six arms 24 extending radially from the center thereof and a cylindrical member 16 integrally formed so that the distal ends in the extending direction of the arms 24 extend. .

  One of the arms 24 is provided with a detection piece 28 as a reference position. The detection piece 28 is disposed so as to pass through a position that can be detected by the reel position detection circuit 50 every time the reels 3L, 3C, 3R make one rotation. The reel position detection circuit 50 is configured to output a detection signal each time the detection piece 28 passes and detects the detection piece 28.

  A symbol sheet (FIG. 5 to be described later) is attached to the side periphery of the cylindrical member 16. This symbol sheet is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 16 by bonding or the like so that the center of the displayed symbol is positioned on the symbol mark.

  Between the drive shafts of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R and the rotation shafts of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, an output side gear 26 provided on the drive side of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and this output side gear 26, and two gears of an input side gear 27 disposed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided so as to have the same axis as the support shaft of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The output side gear 26 and the input side gear 27 constitute a reduction transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R to the reel rotation shaft with a predetermined reduction ratio.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. As shown in the figure, in the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R according to the present embodiment, the respective excitation phases are arranged in order in the clockwise direction.

  The rotation direction of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be changed by changing the pattern for exciting the phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, phase 4 arranged in the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. This excitation pattern is realized by a predetermined pulse signal generated by a motor drive circuit 39 (FIG. 10 described later).

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R of the embodiment employ a two-layer excitation method, for example, phase 1-phase 2, phase 2-phase 3, phase 3-phase 4, phase 4- In this method, two phases are excited at a time in a cycle of a combination of phase 1 and a sequence. One excitation is performed by one pulse signal supplied from the motor drive circuit 39 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R.

  When each layer is excited in the cycle of phase 1-phase 2, phase 2-phase 3, phase 3-phase 4, phase 4-phase 1, the rotor rotates in the direction of arrow d4. When each layer is excited in a cycle of phase 1-phase 4, phase 4-phase 3, phase 3-phase 2, phase 2-phase 1, the rotor rotates in the direction of arrow d3.

  When the rotor rotates in the direction of the arrow d3, rotational torque is transmitted from the output side gear 26 to the input side gear 27, and the reel 3 rotates in the direction of the arrow d1. When the rotor rotates in the direction of the arrow d4, the reel 3 rotates in the direction of the arrow d2.

  The rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is accelerated by gradually shortening the period of the pulse signal transmitted from the motor drive circuit 39 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and gradually increases the period of the pulse signal. To slow down. Further, as the excitation method of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, a single layer excitation method, a 1-2 layer excitation method, or the like can be adopted.

  The reel stop mode will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4A is a timing chart showing a non-vibration mode. In this non-vibration mode, the reel that was rotating in the d1 direction at a rotation speed of 80 [rotation / minute] has a rotation speed of 0 [rotation / minute] at time t1.

  FIG. 4B is a timing chart showing a vibration mode. In this vibration mode, the rotation direction changes, but the rotation speed is 80 [rotation / min]. The reel that has been rotated in the d1 direction becomes the d2 direction at time t1. At time t2, the rotation direction is the d1 direction. At time t3, the rotation direction is the d2 direction. At time t4, the rotation direction is the d1 direction. At time t5, the rotation direction is the d2 direction. At time t6, the rotation speed becomes 0 [rotation / minute].

  When stopping each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, the reel is basically stopped in a vibration mode (in most games). That is, in each game, whether or not to stop the reel in a non-vibrating manner is determined based on a gaming state, an internal winning combination, and an operation mode (operation sequence) of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R by the player. (Step S23 in FIG. 12 described later) is performed.

  Specifically, it determines based on the below-mentioned non-vibration mode selection table (FIG. 8, FIG. 9). For example, the reels are stopped in a non-vibrating manner when BB and RB can be won. From the player's point of view, the gaming state and the internal winning combination can be grasped and predicted based on whether or not the reel is stopped in a non-vibrating manner, so that the interest of the game may increase.

  Here, in the vibration mode, the rotation direction changes a plurality of times when the reel is stopped, and the period (for example, the time between t1 and t2) in which the rotation direction changes is, for example, 10 ms. In the embodiment, “21” symbols are drawn on the symbol sheet. Further, the reel rotates at a constant speed of 80 [rotations / minute].

  For this reason, the center of any one of a plurality of drawn symbols passes the position of the center line 8c every 35.7 ms. Further, the reel stops so that the center of any symbol is positioned at the position of each winning line. Therefore, for example, when the period is set to “approximately 17.8 ms”, the symbol does not cross the position of the center line 8c when the reel is stopped (the vibration width becomes one symbol or less). There may be a case where the player's uncomfortable feeling during the stop can be suppressed to a certain level.

  FIG. 5 shows a symbol row (symbol row drawn on the symbol sheet) in which 21 types of symbols represented on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged.

  Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (FIG. 10) described later as a data table. On each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, “red 7 (design 91)”, “white 7 (design 92)”, “BAR (design 93)”, “bell (design 94)”, “watermelon (design 95) ) ”,“ Replay (symbol 96) ”, and“ cherry (symbol 97) ”. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows the combination and the number of payouts corresponding to the winning symbol combination in each gaming state.

  The gaming state of the embodiment includes a general gaming state, a general gaming state during BB internal winning, a general gaming state during RB internal winning, a BB general gaming state, and an RB gaming state. Each of these “5 types” of game states basically carries over the types of roles that may be won internally, the probability of winning internally, BB, RB (hereinafter collectively referred to as bonus). Or whether bonus winning is permitted or not. The game states that are generated by the BB winning and are constituted by the BB general game state and the RB game state are collectively referred to as “BB game state” hereinafter.

  The type of winning combination and its probability in each game state will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the transition between the game states is performed in step S38 and step S39 in FIG. 13 described later.

  In the embodiment, after the bonus is won internally, the bonus is held as an internal winning combination until the bonus is won (generally referred to as carryover). The BB internal winning general gaming state is a gaming state in which BB is carried over. The RB internal winning general gaming state is a gaming state in which the RB is carried over. The BB internal winning general gaming state and the RB internal winning general gaming state are collectively referred to as “internal winning general gaming state” hereinafter. Note that the general gaming state is a gaming state in which bonuses are not carried over.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the BB winning, “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “white 7-white 7-white 7” is along the active line in the general gaming state and the general gaming state during internal winning. Realized by lining up. After BB wins, the gaming state becomes the BB general gaming state. RB winning is realized by arranging "BAR-BAR-BAR" along the active line in the general gaming state and the general gaming state during internal winning, or by arranging "Replay-Replay-Replay" in the BB general gaming state To do. The RB winning in the BB general gaming state is generally called JAC in. After the RB wins, the gaming state becomes the RB gaming state. The BB gaming state is an advantageous gaming state compared to the RB gaming state.

  Replay (replay) winning is realized by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” in the general game state and the general game state during internal winning. When the replay is won, the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted are automatically inserted (the player is given game value), so that the player can play the next game without consuming the medals.

  In the general gaming state, the internal gaming state in the internal winning state, and the BB general gaming state, it is possible to achieve winnings of the medium cherry, small horn, bell, and watermelon small roles. The number of payouts is as shown in the figure. The winning of the small cherry role is realized by “cherry” being stopped and displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L. In addition, the winning of the small cherry corner is realized by “cherry” being stopped and displayed on the upper or lower stage.

  The winning of a JAC small role (actual item) is realized by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” in the RB gaming state. When the number of winnings of the JAC small role becomes “8”, the gaming state changes. Here, a game in an RB gaming state in which a winning of a JAC small role may be realized is generally referred to as a JAC game.

  In the embodiment, the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R at an appropriate timing in a game in which the bonus is internally won in the general gaming state or in the game in which the bonus is internally won in the internal gaming state. By doing so (for example, by performing an accurate look), it is possible to realize a bonus winning. For this reason, the probability that a bonus can be realized differs between the general gaming state and the BB internal winning general gaming state.

  Referring to FIG. 7, when the BET number is “3”, the probability lottery table used for determining the internal winning combination in the general gaming state or the internal winning general gaming state (step S12 in FIG. 11 described later) Show.

  FIG. 7 (1) shows a general gaming state probability lottery table. In the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 7 (1), a bonus is awarded when random numbers within the range of “0” to “203” are extracted from the random number extraction ranges “0” to “16383” in the probability lottery process. Becomes an internal winner. The probability of winning the bonus internally is “about 1/80”.

  FIG. 7 (2) shows a probability lottery table for the general gaming state during internal winning. The probability lottery table shown in FIG. 7 (2) is used to determine the internal winning combination in the general game state during the internal winning with the bonus carried over, so that the bonus is not determined as the internal winning combination. The probability of winning an internal winning combination other than the bonus is the same as the probability of FIG.

  8 and 9 show the non-vibration mode selection tables A to F. FIG.

  Each non-vibration mode selection table includes information on lottery values corresponding to “internal winning combination” and “stop operation that triggers the non-vibration mode”. The lottery value is a value to be subtracted from the extracted random number value. When the lottery value is subtracted from the random number value and the subtracted value is negative, information (stop operation) corresponding to the lottery value is selected. The extraction range of random numbers is “0” to “127”.

  In a game in which “none” is selected as the “stop operation that triggers the non-vibration mode”, all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop in the vibration mode.

  In a game in which “first stop operation”, “second stop operation”, or “third stop operation” is selected as the “stop operation that triggers the non-vibration mode”, the reel corresponding to the stop operation is not The reel that stops in the vibration mode and that corresponds to other stop operations stops in the vibration mode.

  In a game in which “second / third stop operation” is selected as the “stop operation that triggers the non-vibration mode”, the reel corresponding to the stop operation stops in the non-vibration mode, and the “first stop operation” The reel corresponding to is stopped in a vibrating manner.

  In a game in which “first / second / third stop operation” is selected as the “stop operation that triggers the non-vibration mode”, all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop in the non-vibration mode.

  FIG. 8 shows non-vibration mode selection tables A to C used in the general gaming state.

  The non-vibration mode selection table A is used when “forward push” is performed. In this table, when the internal winning combination is lost, the reel does not stop in a non-vibrating manner.

  The non-vibration mode selection table B is used when “middle pressing” is performed. In this table, the reel does not stop in a non-vibrating manner regardless of the internal winning combination.

  The non-vibration mode selection table C is used when “reverse pressing” is performed. In this table, when the internal winning combination is a bonus, all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop in a non-vibrating manner.

  FIG. 9 shows non-vibration mode selection tables D to F used in the general gaming state during internal winning.

  The non-vibration mode selection table D is used when “forward push” is performed. In this table, even when the internal winning combination is lost, the reel may stop in a non-vibrating manner. Further, when the internal winning combination is a replay, a small combination or the like, the reel is stopped by the non-vibration mode with a higher probability than the non-vibration mode selection table A.

  The non-vibration mode selection table E is used when “middle pressing” is performed. In this table, similarly to the non-vibration mode selection table B, the reel does not stop in the non-vibration mode regardless of the internal winning combination.

  The non-vibration mode selection table F is used when “reverse pressing” is performed. In this table, the reel does not stop in a vibrating manner.

  Here, when “middle push” is performed, the reel stops in a vibrating manner regardless of the gaming state and the internal winning combination. For this reason, in particular, a skilled person may be able to enjoy the game by predicting the internal winning combination based on the so-called “reach eyes” regardless of the vibration mode of the reels by performing “middle push”. .

  When “reverse pressing” is performed, all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped in a non-vibrating manner in a game in which the internal winning combination is a bonus and a game in the internal winning general gaming state. For this reason, in particular, a beginner can quickly and accurately grasp that the game can realize a bonus winning by performing “reverse pressing” or that the game state has been shifted to such a state. You may be able to play games with peace of mind.

  In addition, when “forward push” is performed, the reel may stop in a vibrating manner also in a game in which the internal winning combination is a bonus and in a game in the general winning state during internal winning. For this reason, it is not always clear whether the game is a bonus in which the internal winning combination is a bonus or the game is in a general gaming state during internal winning. Therefore, the player can have more games than the expectation that the internal winning combination is a bonus game.

  Thus, it is determined whether or not the non-vibration mode is set according to the operation order of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R (for example, the variable display based on the operation order of the operation means provided with a plurality of variable stop mode determination means. The player can enjoy the game with peace of mind according to his / her skill level. Further, the player can select a game and enjoy the game.

  10 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls the game processing operation in the gaming machine 1, a peripheral device (actuator) that is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, the LEDs 101 and the sub-control circuit 72 for controlling the lamps 102 is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are storage means.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generator 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  In the ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30, a probability lottery table (FIG. 7) used for determination of random number sampling performed each time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and the reel stop mode is determined according to the stop button operation. A stop table for executing, various control commands (commands) for transmitting to the sub-control circuit 72, various tables, and the like are stored. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Various information is stored in the RAM 33. For example, a flag, game state information, and the like are stored.

  In the circuit of FIG. 10, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c), and an information display section. 18, a hopper (including a drive unit for payout) 40 that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41, and a stepping motor 49L that rotates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R 49C and 49R.

  Further, a motor drive circuit 39 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper (game value imparting means) 40, and a lamp drive circuit 45 for driving and controlling the BET lamps 9a, 9b and 9c. The display unit drive circuit 48 that controls the drive of the information display unit 18 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 31. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, There are a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 22S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 10, a random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and a sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. The winning combination is determined based on the random number thus sampled and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained every rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 33 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, a code number that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated, and a corresponding code number are provided. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Furthermore, a winning symbol combination table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32. In this winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning medal payout number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The above winning symbol combination table is referred to when the left reel 3L, the central reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are controlled to stop, and when the winning is confirmed after all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  When winning by the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 31 operates the operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 46 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, and the selection. Based on the stop table, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39.

  In the stop mode indicating winning of the winning combination, the CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 40. At that time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 31. Thereby, CPU31 stops the drive of the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41, and complete | finishes a medal payout process.

  The control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (step S1). Specifically, initialization of the storage contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (step S2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program of the next game is specified, etc. I do.

  Next, it is determined whether or not “30 seconds” have elapsed since the end of the previous game, that is, after all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stopped (step S3). If this determination is “YES”, a demo display command for requesting display of a demo image for notifying the player that the customer is waiting is sent to the sub-control circuit 72 (step S4). "", The process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic medal insertion, that is, whether or not a replay winning is established in the previous game. When this determination is “YES”, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step S6), and the process proceeds to step S8. When the determination in step S5 is “NO”, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the medal sensor 22S or the BET switches 11, 12, and 13 (step S7). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S8, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S8, a medal insertion command including information indicating that a medal has been inserted (betting) is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S based on the operation of the start lever 6. When this determination is “YES”, a random number for lottery used in step S12 described later is extracted (step S10), and the process proceeds to step S11. If the determination in step S9 is “NO”, step S9 is repeated. In step S11, a game state monitoring process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, a probability lottery process for determining an internal winning combination is performed based on the probability lottery table, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, a stop table group is selected based on the gaming state and the internal winning combination, and the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, one of the stop tables included in the selected stop table group is selected, and the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, a command generation process at the start of the game is performed, and the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, a start command including information such as the gaming state, internal winning combination, stop table group and the like is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, it is determined whether or not “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the previous game started. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S19, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S18. . In step S18, a game start waiting time digest process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S19. Specifically, a process of invalidating an input based on an operation for starting a player's game is performed until “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the start of the previous game.

  In step S19, a reel rotation process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, when the rotation speed of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R reaches constant speed rotation, a reel stop permission command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG. The reel stop permission command is information indicating that the player's operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R is enabled.

  In step S21, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop button is “ON”. Specifically, it is determined whether any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R has been operated. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S23, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S23, the CPU 31 performs a sliding frame number and vibration mode determination process. In this process, the number of sliding symbols is determined based on the stop table, and the reel to be stopped in the non-vibration mode is determined based on the gaming state, the internal winning combination, and the non-vibration mode selection table (FIGS. 8 and 9). . Subsequently, after rotating the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed for the number of sliding frames, the reel is stopped in a vibration mode or a non-vibration mode (step S24), and information on the reels that are subject to stop control (for example, Information that can identify a symbol passing through a predetermined position (for example, the center line 8c) at the time of receiving a stop command signal on the reel stopped by the player, and the number of sliding symbols on the reel stopped by the player A reel stop command including the possible information is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 (step S25).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped (step S26). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S27, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S27, an all-reel stop command indicating that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S28. Here, the sub-control circuit 72 that has received the all-reel stop command controls the back lamps, speakers 21L, 21R, etc. provided on the back side of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  In step S28, a winning search is performed. The winning search is to set a winning flag for identifying a winning combination (a winning combination) based on the pattern stop mode of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Specifically, a winning combination is identified based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and a winning determination table. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step S29). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S31 of FIG. 13, and when it is “NO”, an illegal error is displayed (step S30). In this case, the game is canceled.

  In step S31 of FIG. 13, a winning command including winning combination information is set (transmitted), and the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is BB or RB. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S33, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S33, the carryover combination information is cleared (erased), and the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the medal is credited or paid out according to the gaming state, and the gaming state is shifted to the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state according to the winning combination, and the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, it is determined whether or not the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S36, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In step S36, BB and RB game number check processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S37, it is determined whether or not the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state is ended. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S38, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S39. In step S38, processing at the end of BB and RB, such as shifting the gaming state to the general gaming state, is performed, and the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, a game state update process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In the gaming state update process, when the BB is internally won in the general gaming state, the gaming state is shifted to the BB internal winning general gaming state. In addition, when the RB is internally won, the gaming state is shifted to the RB internal winning general gaming state.

  Here, in the BB gaming state, when the number of wins is 8 or the number of games is 12 in the “third” RB gaming state, or when the number of games in the BB general gaming state is 30, The determination in S37 is “YES”. In the RB gaming state, when the number of winnings is 8 or the number of games is 12, the determination in step S37 is “YES”.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment is a gaming machine having the following configuration.

  (1) Based on a game start command means (for example, a start lever 6, a start switch 6S, etc.) that outputs a game start command signal in response to an operation by the player, and the game start command signal from the game start command means , Fluctuating display means (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, etc.) for variably displaying identification information necessary for the game (for example, symbols shown in FIG. 5) and operating means (for example, a plurality of stops) Stop command means (for example, a reel stop signal circuit 46) that outputs a stop command signal in response to the operation of the buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, etc., and after the stop command means outputs the stop command signal (for example, For example, after the stop button is operated, the change display mode (for example, either the non-vibration mode or the vibration mode) is changed to information relating to the game (for example, internal hits). A variable stop mode determination means (for example, main control circuit 71, means for performing step S23 in FIG. 12) determined based on a combination, a game state, and the like, and when the stop command means outputs the stop command signal And stop control means (for example, main control circuit 71, means for performing steps S24 and S25 in FIG. 12) for stopping the change display based on the determination result of the change stop mode determination means. A gaming machine characterized by

  According to this gaming machine, the variable stop mode determining unit determines the mode of the variable display after the stop command unit outputs the stop command signal based on information related to the game. The stop control means stops the variable display based on the determination result of the variable stop mode determining means when the stop command means outputs a stop command signal. Therefore, the player may be able to advance the game by paying attention to the mode of display of fluctuation after operating the operation means, for example, and the interest of the game may increase. In addition, there may be a case where the variation display mode in which the player's line of sight gathers most can have an unprecedented interest.

  (2) In the gaming machine according to (1), the stop control means has a specific stop mode that is advantageous to the player (for example, a stop mode in which symbol combinations corresponding to BB, RB, etc. are arranged along the active line). A first probability state (for example, a general gaming state) in which the probability that it can be stopped is a first probability, and a probability that the stop control means can stop the specific stop mode is the first probability. Probability state transition means (for example, the main control circuit 71, FIG. 5) that shifts the probability state between the second probability state (for example, the internal game state in the internal winning) that is a second probability higher than the probability of 13), and the information related to the game is the probability state.

  According to this gaming machine, the player may be able to play a game by grasping information on the probability state, so that the interest of the game can be increased.

  In the embodiment, the reels are stopped in a non-vibrating manner in the general gaming state and the internal gaming state during internal winning, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the internal winning combination is lost in the RB gaming state, the reel is stopped in a vibration mode (special stop control), and when the internal winning combination is a JAC small role, the reel is stopped in a non-vibrating mode (normal stop control). It can also be made. According to such a configuration, the normal stop control that is difficult to be performed in the general gaming state can be frequently performed in the RB gaming state. In other words, by making the determination of the variation display mode different depending on the game state, it is possible to show unusual effects to the player and to produce more various effects.

  In the embodiment, the reel is stopped in either the non-vibration mode or the vibration mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reels can be stopped by so-called “inertia stop”, “frame feed stop”, “reverse rotation stop”, or the like.

  Information relating to a situation that is advantageous to the player can also be employed as information relating to the game. This information includes, for example, information on whether or not an advantageous situation occurs, information on whether or not an advantageous situation occurs, the probability that an advantageous situation will occur, the reliability for the occurrence, and the unit until the occurrence The number of games (games) can also be adopted. In addition, as a situation advantageous to the player, a so-called “challenge time”, a game section in which the operation order or operation timing of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for winning a specific combination is notified, a specific combination (for example, In other words, it is possible to adopt a game section having a relatively high probability of winning an internal winning or winning a prize, a situation where a specific combination is carried over, or the like.

  Moreover, the vibration mode is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. The number of times the direction of the variable display changes, its cycle, etc. can be arbitrarily determined. In addition, the number of times and the period can be determined based on information about the game. By doing so, the interest of the game may increase.

  Furthermore, information that can identify the vibration mode determined in the vibration mode determination process, information that can identify the non-vibration mode, and the like may be included in the reel stop command and transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. In the sub-control circuit 72, information included in the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 (for example, a game state, an internal winning combination, a stop table group, a stop command signal for a reel stopped by the player is received at a predetermined time). Liquid crystal display controlled by the sub-control circuit 72 together with information that can identify the symbol passing through the position (for example, the center line 8c), information that can identify the number of sliding symbols on the reel stopped by the player, etc. It may be used to determine the mode, lamp lighting mode, LED lighting mode, and sound production mode.

  Further, although the vibration mode is determined by the number of sliding symbols and the vibration mode determination process (step S23), the vibration mode is determined from the game state monitoring process (step S11) to the command generation process at the start of the game. (Step S15) or between the probability lottery process (step S12) and the command generation process at the start of the game (step S15), and information on the vibration mode determined there In the command generation process at the start of the game (step S15), and the generated command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 in the command transmission process at the start of the game (step S16). May be.

  In the sub-control circuit 72, information included in the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 (for example, a game state, an internal winning combination, a stop table group, a stop command signal for a reel stopped by the player is received at a predetermined time). Liquid crystal display controlled by the sub-control circuit 72 together with information that can identify the symbol passing through the position (for example, the center line 8c), information that can identify the number of sliding symbols on the reel stopped by the player, etc. It may be used to determine the mode, lamp lighting mode, LED lighting mode, and sound production mode.

  Furthermore, in addition to the gaming machine 1 as in the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. Furthermore, the game can be executed by applying the present invention even in a game program in which the above-described operation of the gaming machine 1 is simulated for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

It is a perspective view of the game machine of an Example. It is a figure which shows a reel unit. It is a figure which shows the internal structure role of a stepping motor. It is a timing chart which shows the change mode when a reel stops. It is a figure which shows the example of the symbol arranged on the reel. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a combination, a symbol combination, and a payout number. It is a figure which shows the example of a probability lottery table. It is a figure which shows the example of a non-vibration aspect selection table. It is a figure which shows the example of a non-vibration aspect selection table. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of an Example. It is a main flowchart of the main control circuit. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 2 cabinet 3L, 3C, 3R reel 6 start lever 7L, 7C, 7R stop button 30 microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit

Claims (2)

A game start command means for outputting a game start command signal in response to an operation by the player;
Based on the game start command signal from the game start command means, fluctuation display means for variably displaying identification information necessary for the game,
A stop command means for outputting a stop command signal in response to an operation of the operating means operated by the player;
Fluctuation stop mode determining means for determining the mode of the fluctuation display after the stop command means outputs the stop command signal, based on information relating to the game;
When the stop command means outputs the stop command signal, stop control means for stopping the fluctuation display based on the determination result of the fluctuation stop mode determination means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A first probability state in which a probability that the stop control means can stop a specific stop mode advantageous to the player is a first probability, and the stop control means stops the specific stop mode. Probability state transition means for transitioning a probability state between a second probability state that is a second probability that is higher than the first probability is possible,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the information on the game is the probability state.

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