JP2005288092A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can improve the desire of the players for the games. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has an image display means which displays the game information pertaining to the games and a display control means which controls the image display means to display the images related to the decision of the specified win role up to the second game as the prescribed game conducted after the first game starting from the first game as done when the specified win role is determined by the win role decision means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine.

  Conventionally, a gaming machine (for example, a slot machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachislot machine) having a stop button) having a variation display means for performing variation display of identification information is known. Specifically, in a general pachislot machine, a plurality of (for example, three) reels constituting the fluctuation display means are provided on the back side of the front panel of the pachislot machine. A plurality of types of symbols constituting the are drawn on the outer periphery. The pachislot machine is configured so that the symbols drawn on the three reels can be visually recognized through the three display windows provided on the front panel. Furthermore, the pachislot machine is provided with effect means (for example, a liquid crystal display device or a lamp) for executing effect contents according to the gaming state.

  In the pachislot machine configured as described above, the pachislot game starts when the start lever is operated by the player and a game start command signal is output from the game start command means. Further, the winning combination determining means provided on the main control board of the pachislot machine determines the winning combination when the above-mentioned game start command signal is input, and the above-described rendering means executes the contents of the rendering according to this winning combination. .

  For example, the pachislot machine has a game start sound that is output when a game is started, a lighting / extinguishing pattern of the reel back lamp when each reel is stopped, and a lighting / extinguishing of the reel back lamp when all reels are stopped. The extinguishing pattern is determined according to the winning combination (for example, Patent Document 1).

Game machines represented by this pachislot machine improve the interest of the game by changing the game start sound and the turn-on / off pattern of the reel back lamp according to the winning combination.
JP 2000-135306 A

  However, in the past, the player tends to feel that the game is monotonous while repeatedly playing the game in the above-described gaming machine, and the player's willingness to play has been reduced. .

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving a player's willingness to play.

  The present invention is determined by a variation display means for variably displaying identification information necessary for a game, a winning combination determining means for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination, a predetermined operation by a player, and the winning combination determining section. Stop control means for performing control to stop the variation display of the identification information based on the winning combination, and the stop mode of the identification information stopped in the variation display means by the stop control means is a predetermined stop mode. A game value providing means for giving a predetermined game value to a player, image display means for displaying game information relating to the game as an image, and the winning combination determining means The specific winning combination is determined from the first game, which is a game when the winning combination is determined, to the second game, which is a predetermined game performed after the first game. To display an image that communicates, is characterized in that it has a display control means for controlling said image display means.

  In the above invention, the specific winning combination is a first specific combination. In the first game, the stop control unit is configured to stop the identification information corresponding to the first specific combination. The display control means controls so as not to stop the variation display of the identification information, and the display control means starts the first game before the variation display variation starts in the second game. In the second game, the image display means is controlled so as to display an image related to the stop mode of the identification information being the stop mode of the identification information corresponding to the first specific combination. The control means may perform control so as to stop the variation display of the identification information in a stop mode of the identification information corresponding to the first specific combination.

  In the above invention, the specific winning combination is a second specific combination that is different from the first specific combination. In the first game, the variation display means includes the second specific combination. In the stop mode of the identification information corresponding to, when the variation display of the identification information is not stopped, the display control means starts the variation of the variation display in the second game after the first game starts. The image display means is configured to display an image related to a possibility that the stop mode of the identification information may be a stop mode of the identification information corresponding to the first specific combination. You may make it control.

  In the above invention, the image display means is provided on the front side of the fluctuation display means when viewed from the front side, and has a transmissive display portion capable of transparently displaying the identification information on the fluctuation display means. preferable.

  Further, the present invention provides a variable display means for variably displaying identification information necessary for a game, a winning combination determining means for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination, a predetermined operation by a player, and the winning combination determining section. Based on the determined winning combination, stop control means for performing control to stop the variation display of the identification information, and a stop mode of the identification information stopped in the variation display means by the stop control means is predetermined. In the stop mode, the gaming machine has a game value giving means for giving a predetermined game value to the player, and the first game is a game when the winning combination determining means determines a specific winning combination. In the second game, which is a predetermined game performed after the game, the game operation invalidating means for invalidating the game operation related to the game for a predetermined period is provided.

  In the above invention, the specific winning combination is a first specific combination. In the first game, the stop control unit is configured to stop the identification information corresponding to the first specific combination. In the second game, the identification information is controlled in such a manner that the identification information corresponding to the first specific combination is stopped after the predetermined period has elapsed in the second game. You may make it control so that the fluctuation display of this may be stopped.

  In the above invention, the specific winning combination is a second specific combination, and in the first game, the change display means is a stop mode of identification information corresponding to the second specific combination. In the case where the variable display of the identification information is not stopped, the gaming operation invalidating means may invalidate the gaming operation for a predetermined period.

  In addition, the present invention variably displays game medium input detection means (for example, an inserted medal sensor 22S) that detects the insertion of a game medium necessary for a game and outputs a game medium input signal, and identification information required for the game. Based on the change display means, the winning combination determining means for determining the predetermined combination as the winning combination, the predetermined operation by the player, and the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means, the variable display of the identification information When the stop mode of the identification information stopped by the change display unit is a predetermined stop mode, a predetermined game value is given to the player. In a first game that is a game in the case where the winning combination determining means determines a specific winning combination (for example, a second specific combination), In the second game, which is a predetermined game to be performed after the first game, when the variable display means is a stop mode of the identification information corresponding to the specific winning combination and does not stop the variable display of the identification information. And a game operation invalidating means for invalidating a game operation related to a game for a predetermined period, wherein the game operation invalidating means gives the predetermined game value in the first game after the game value giving means gives a predetermined game value. In the second game, an invalid operation is performed within a predetermined period until the game medium input signal is output by the game medium input detection means.

  According to the present invention, a player's willingness to play can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a cabinet 2a in which reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the like are accommodated, and a front door 2b which is rotatably attached to the cabinet 2a.

  On the front surface of the cabinet 2a, a panel display portion 5a as a substantially vertical surface and a liquid crystal display portion 5b which is a display portion of the liquid crystal display device 5 are formed. Inside the cabinet 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. The three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are used for variably displaying a plurality of symbols necessary for a game (game).

  FIG. 2 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is associated with a symbol number from 0 to 20. Each symbol is stored in the ROM 32 as a data table. On each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a symbol row composed of symbols of blue 7, red 7, BAR, bell, plum, replay and cherry is represented. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow.

  The symbols displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be visually recognized through the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R (this will be described in detail later in FIG. 3). Each reel is configured to be capable of rotating at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm).

  The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R 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-down line 8a and a cross-up line 8e in the diagonal direction.

  These winning lines are activated by operating a BET switch 50 described later or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22. 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, the cherry symbol shown in FIG. 2 described later) corresponding to a predetermined combination (for example, a cherry small component described later) corresponds to one of the activated pay lines. Stopped display at a predetermined position (for example, the position in the left symbol display area 21L if the number of BETs to be described later is 3), or a symbol constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined combination is valid. A predetermined winning combination is won by stopping and displaying in line with a predetermined position corresponding to an activated pay line (hereinafter, the activated pay line is referred to as an active line).

  A substantially horizontal plane pedestal 4 is formed below the panel display 5a and the liquid crystal display 5b. On the left side of the pedestal portion 4, a BET switch 50 for betting a credited medal by a pressing operation is provided. Specifically, when the BET switch 50 is pressed once, one of the credited medals is bet on the game, and when the BET switch 50 is pressed twice, the credited medal Two of the medals are bet on the game, and when the BET switch 50 is pressed three times, three of the credited medals are bet on the game. In this way, when the BET switch 50 is pressed, a predetermined effective line is activated as described above.

  A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the pedestal 4. A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal portion 4 to switch credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by pressing operation. The medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front by switching the C / P switch 14. The medals that have been paid out are stored in the medal receiving part 16.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, a start lever 6 for starting a change display of symbols on each reel in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R (starting a game) is rotatable within a predetermined angle range. It is attached. Each reel rotates when the player operates the start lever 6.

  Stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that are arranged in the center of the front surface of the pedestal 4 and stop the symbols that are variably displayed on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the right side of the start lever 6. Yes.

  Speakers 52L and 52R are provided on the left and right above the cabinet 2. Between the two speakers 52L and 52R, there is provided a payout table panel for displaying a combination of winning symbols, a medal payout number, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the panel display unit 5a and the liquid crystal display unit 5b. As shown in FIG. 3, the panel display unit 5 a includes a game information display unit 17, BET lamps 9 a to 9 c, a payout display unit 18, and a credit display unit 19.

  The game information display unit 17 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and basically lights up after BB or RB can win a prize and until BB or RB wins. Here, BB and RB are collectively referred to as a bonus hereinafter. The payout display unit 18 includes a 7-segment LED, and displays a payout number of medals when a winning combination is won. The credit display unit 19 includes a 7-segment LED, and displays the number of stored medals.

  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 also referred to as a BET number). The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the BET number is 1 and one pay line is activated. The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the number of BETs is 2 and two pay lines are activated. The maximum BET lamp 9c is lit when the number of BETs is 3 and three pay lines are activated.

  The liquid crystal display unit 2b (image display means) is disposed on the front side of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 1, and displays game information related to the game as an image (for example, effect image). In addition, it has a transmissive display part (symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R) capable of transparently displaying the symbol display on each reel. Note that the sizes of the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR shown in FIG. 4 are substantially the same as the sizes of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R in the present embodiment. The symbol display areas (display windows) 21L, 21C, 21R are provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Here, when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are in a stop-operable state, the symbol display areas 21L and 21C located on the front surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively. , 21R are transparently displayed with symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R so that the player can easily see them.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the transmissive liquid crystal display device 5. The liquid crystal display device 5 shown in FIG. 4 is viewed from the back side of the cabinet 2a. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a protective glass 132, a display plate 133, a liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, a reflection film 136, a so-called white light source (a specific color is conspicuous in human eyes for light of all wavelengths). Fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b, lamp holders 139a to 139h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving a liquid crystal panel is mounted.

  The liquid crystal display device 5 is provided in front of the display area of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (front side of the display surface) across the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided separately at a predetermined interval.

  The protective glass 132 and the display board 133 are comprised with the translucent member. The protective glass 132 is provided for the purpose of protecting the liquid crystal panel 134. A predetermined mode is drawn in the area of the panel display unit 2 a corresponding to the display board 133. Here, the electric circuits for operating the various display units and the BET lamps 9a to 9c are arranged on the back side of the area of the display plate 133 corresponding to the panel display unit 2a.

  The liquid crystal panel 134 is configured to display white in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven (light goes to the display surface side, that is, the transmitted light is visually recognized from the outside), and corresponds to the liquid crystal display unit 5b. Is. As a result, even when a situation in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, the liquid crystal panel 134 is configured in normally white, so that the player can play the reels 3L, 3C, 3R through the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R. The symbol placed on the top can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued.

  The reflective film 136 is a film that reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 toward the front side of the light guide plate 135. The reflective film 136 includes a reflective area 136A and non-reflective areas (transmission areas) 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR. The non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed as a light transmitting portion that is formed of a transparent material and transmits incident light without being reflected.

  The non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, 136BR are provided at positions in front of each of the symbols (total of three symbols) displayed when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped (on the reel seat). Corresponding area is a light transmission part). The sizes and positions of the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR coincide with those of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R.

  The reflection region 136A reflects incident light. The fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b are arranged along the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 135, and display areas other than the symbol display areas (for example, effect images) in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R and the liquid crystal display part 5b. The irradiation means for irradiating a region for Both ends of the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b are supported by lamp holders 139a, 139b, 139g, and 139h.

  Next, the main control circuit of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main control circuit 60 of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the main control circuit 60 includes a microcomputer 30 and a circuit for extracting (sampling) a predetermined random number value.

  The microcomputer 30 includes a main CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an I / O port 38. Specifically, the main CPU 31 performs each process in a main process (FIGS. 13 and 14) to be described later based on programs and tables stored in the ROM 32.

  The ROM 32 also includes a payout table (FIG. 7), a probability lottery table (FIG. 8), a winning combination selection table for stop (FIG. 9), various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the image control circuit 80, and the like. Is remembered. These tables will be described later. The ROM 32 stores a winning determination table for specifying each winning combination in a winning search process described later. The commands include a start command and a reel stop command. Note that the image control circuit 80 does not send a command to the main control circuit 60, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 60 to the image control circuit 80. Various information (for example, flags) is stored in the RAM 33.

  The I / O port 38 includes circuits (reel position detection circuit 42, reel stop signal circuit 43 and payout completion signal generation circuit 53) and switches (start switch 6S, insertion medal sensor 22S, BET switch 50 and C / P switch). 14) is an interface that receives various signals from 14) and outputs various output signals to actuators (stepping motor 49L to stepping motor 49R, hopper 52) controlled by the microcomputer 30. The I / O port 38 is also an interface that transmits various signals to the sub control circuit communication port 54.

  A circuit for extracting a predetermined random number value includes a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 that generate a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 that generates a predetermined range of random numbers, and a random number generator 36. The sampling circuit 37 acquires one random number value from among the generated random numbers.

  Connected to the microcomputer 30 are a motor driving circuit 41 for driving the stepping motor 49L to the stepping motor 49R controlled by the microcomputer 30 and a hopper driving circuit 51 for driving the hopper 52 controlled by the microcomputer 30. ing. The stepping motor 49L to the stepping motor 49R rotate the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The hopper 52 pays out medals when the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is aligned with the active line, and the hopper 52 is provided with a medal detection unit 52S for detecting the payout medals. .

  Further, the microcomputer 30 includes a reel position detection circuit 42, a reel stop signal circuit 43, a start switch 6S, a insertion medal sensor 22S, a BET switch 50, a C / P switch 14, and a payout completion signal generation circuit. 53 and the sub control circuit communication port 54 are connected.

  The reel stop signal circuit 43 receives a stop command signal for instructing to stop the change display of the symbols on the reel corresponding to the stop button that has been pressed in response to the pressing operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R by the player. It outputs to CPU31.

  The stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are stop operation means that can be operated to stop the reels while the reels are rotating, and a display image of the change of the reel symbols is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b. In this case, the operation means can perform an operation for switching from a variable display image to a symbol stop display image (described later). Note that the fluctuation display image is an image showing the fluctuation display of the symbol.

  The reel position detection circuit 42 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor arranged on the reel and outputs a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the main CPU 31. The payout completion signal generation circuit 53 outputs a signal indicating completion of the medal payout to the main CPU 31 when the count value of the medal detection unit 52S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 52) reaches the designated number data. .

  In the circuit of FIG. 5, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the 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 output 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 output every rotation, and these reset pulses are input to the main CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 42.

  By this reset pulse, the count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to zero. 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 is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as described above with symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, with reference to the rotational position where the reset pulse is generated as described above, the symbol number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and the symbol number are provided for each symbol number. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Furthermore, a winning symbol combination table 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 middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are controlled to stop and when a winning confirmation is made after all reels are stopped.

  When the winning combination is determined by the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the main CPU 31 is sent from the reel stop signal circuit 43 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Based on the operation signal and the selected stop table (stop table group, the description of which will be described later), a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 41.

  If the stop mode indicates a winning of a predetermined combination, the main CPU 31 outputs a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 51 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 52. At that time, the medal detection unit 52S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 52, and a medal payout completion signal is input to the main CPU 31 when the counted value reaches the designated number. As a result, the main CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 52 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the medal payout process.

The start switch 6S outputs a game start command signal for starting one game (game) to the main CPU 31 in response to an operation on the start lever 6.
The inserted medal sensor 22S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22, and outputs a signal indicating that a medal has been inserted to the main CPU 31.
The C / P switch 14 outputs a signal for paying out medals stored (credited) in the gaming machine 1 to the main CPU 31 in response to a pressing operation on the C / P switch 14.

  The payout completion signal generation circuit 53 indicates that the medal payout has been completed when the number of medals detected by the medal detection unit 52S (the number of medals actually paid out) reaches the number instructed to pay out. The signal shown is output to the main CPU 31.

  Although not shown in the circuit of FIG. 5, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 include various lamps (in addition to the hopper 52 and the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described above). 1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c), various display sections (payout display section 18, credit display section 19, game information display section 17 for displaying the number of games in the BB general gaming state, etc. )and so on. Further, a motor drive circuit (not shown) for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a lamp drive circuit (not shown) for driving and controlling various lamps, and a display unit drive circuit (and driving control for various displays). (Not shown) is connected to the main CPU 31 via the I / O port 38. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the main CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The sub control circuit communication port 54 transmits a command (for example, a start command) output from the main CPU 31 to the image control circuit 80.

  In the present embodiment, the stop operation that is performed when all the reels are rotating is the first stop operation, the stop operation that is performed next is the second stop operation, and the stop operation that is performed after the second stop operation is performed. This is called the third stop operation.

  Next, the sub control circuit of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the image control circuit 80 and the sound / lamp control circuit 90 constituting the sub control circuit of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image control circuit 80 includes a serial port 81, an image control CPU 82, a program ROM 83, an image ROM 84, a work RAM 85, a calendar IC 86, an image control IC 87, a control RAM 88, and a video RAM 89. And have.

  The serial port 81 receives a command output from the main control circuit 60 (microcomputer 30) via the sub control circuit communication port 54. The serial port 81 transmits a command generated by the image control CPU 82 to the sound / lamp control circuit 90.

  The program ROM 83 stores a program for the image control CPU 82 to perform image control. The image ROM 84 stores image data for forming an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (image data for rendering, etc.). The video RAM 89 functions as a temporary storage unit when an image is formed by the image control IC 87.

  The work RAM 85 is a work area for image control by the image control CPU 82. The calendar IC 86 is an IC that manages data related to date and time, and outputs necessary calendar data to the image control CPU 82 in a timely manner. Note that the data stored in the work RAM 85 and the calendar IC 86 is data to be backed up.

  Further, the image control CPU 82 controls display contents on the liquid crystal display device 5 in accordance with an image control program stored in the program ROM 83 based on parameters (such as identifiers and counter values) set in the work area in the work RAM 85. To do. Specifically, the image control CPU 82 stores a command (command indicating a gaming state, winning combination, etc.) received from the main control circuit 60 via the serial port 81 in the work area of the work RAM 85 and stores it in the work area. Based on the information, the image data stored in the image ROM 84 is read out. The image control CPU 82 transmits the image data read from the image ROM 84 to the image control IC 87 and instructs the image control IC 87 to display a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  The image control IC 87 performs the following processing based on an instruction from the image control CPU 82. The image control IC 87 (hereinafter also referred to as VDP) stores the image data received from the image control CPU 82 in a control RAM 88 provided in the image control IC 87 and is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the stored data. The image data (one frame) related to the image (one frame) is generated at a predetermined timing (for example, 1/30 second) and is alternately stored in two frame buffers provided in the video RAM 89.

  Specifically, the image control IC 87 is based on image data (one frame) already stored in one frame buffer area (first frame buffer area) of two frame buffer areas provided in the video RAM 89. Then, an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5, and image data (one frame) relating to an image to be displayed next on the liquid crystal display device 5 is stored in the other frame buffer region (second frame buffer region). Thereafter, the image control IC 87 stores the image data (one frame) used for the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 from the image data (one frame) stored in the first frame buffer area into the second frame buffer area. The image data (one frame) related to the image to be displayed next on the liquid crystal display device 5 is stored in the first buffer frame area (bank switching). Bank switching is performed, for example, every 1/30 seconds.

  The sound / lamp control circuit 90 includes a serial port 91, a sound / lamp control CPU 92, a sound source IC 93, a power amplifier 94, a work RAM 95, a program ROM 96, and a sound source ROM 97.

  The serial port 91 receives a command generated by the image control CPU 82 from the serial port 81.

  The sound / lamp control CPU 92 controls the lighting of the LEDs 100 and the lamps 101 and the output sound of the speakers 102 based on a program stored in the program ROM 96. Specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 92 stores the command received from the image control circuit 80 via the serial port 91 in the work RAM 95 and controls the sound source IC 93 based on the stored information. The LEDs 100 are the above-described payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19, the game information display unit 17, and the like, and the lamps 101 are the above-described 1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, The BET lamp 9c and the like, and the speakers 102 are the above-described speakers 52L and 52R.

  The sound source IC 93 reads the sound data stored in the sound source ROM 97 and amplifies the read sound data using the power amplifier 94 in accordance with the control by the sound / lamp control CPU 92. Note that the degree of amplification by the power amplifier 94 is determined according to the input signal from the volume control unit 103.

  Next, various tables stored in the ROM 32 (payout table, probability lottery table, winning combination selection table for stop, etc.) will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a payout table showing the relationship among the types of winning combinations, payouts, and combinations of symbols.

  Whether or not the winning combination shown in FIG. 7 is won is determined in advance according to the gaming state. In other words, the probability lottery table used according to the gaming state is different, and the combination that may be determined as the winning combination is also different depending on the gaming state.

  Here, the gaming state includes a general gaming state, a BB carryover state, an RB carryover state, a BB general gaming state, and an RB gaming state. The BB carryover state and the RB carryover state are game states that start from the game next to the game in which BB or RB is determined as the winning combination in the general game state by the probability lottery process in step 110 described later. Here, the BB or RB determined as the winning combination is carried over as a carryover combination until the gaming state is shifted to the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state, respectively (until the BB or RB winning is realized). Note that the winning combination is a combination determined in the probability lottery process in step 110 described later based on the random number value extracted in the process in step 90 (random number value extraction process for lottery) described later. The carryover combination is a combination that is carried over as a winning combination until BB or RB actually wins after BB or RB is determined as a winning combination.

  The BB general gaming state is a gaming state that starts from the next game won when BB is determined as a winning combination and BB wins. The BB general gaming state does not include the RB gaming state that starts when the RB wins in the BB general gaming state.

  The RB gaming state is a gaming state that starts from the next game won by RB being determined as a winning combination and winning by RB.

  Hereinafter, the BB general gaming state and the RB gaming state started when the RB wins in this BB general gaming state are collectively referred to as a BB gaming state.

  The general gaming state refers to a normal gaming state other than the BB gaming state, the RB gaming state, the BB carryover state, and the RB carryover state described above.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the BB winning is realized by arranging a combination of red 7 (symbol) -red 7-red 7 along the active line in the BB carryover state. In this case, 15 medals are paid out, and the gaming state of the next game becomes the BB general gaming state.

  The BB gaming state is ended when 30 games are played in the BB general gaming state, or when the RB gaming state is finished three times and the third RB gaming state is finished. Then, when the BB game state ends, the game state is shifted to the general game state.

  RB winning a prize is a combination of BAR (symbol) -BAR-BAR symbol, or a symbol (Replay) -Replay-Replay when RB is determined as a winning combination in RB carryover state or BB general game state This is realized by arranging the combinations of the lines along the effective line. In this case, 15 medals are paid out. The RB winning in the BB general gaming state is generally referred to as JAC IN. After the RB wins in the BB general gaming state, the gaming state is shifted to the RB gaming state.

In this RB gaming state, the number of times a prize can be won is up to eight. In other words, this RB gaming state ends when the number of games reaches 12 times or the number of winnings reaches 8. When the RB gaming state ends, the gaming state changes (transition to the general gaming state or the BB general gaming state).
The winning of the small role of cherry is realized by arranging the combinations of cherry (cherry symbol) -ANY (ANY indicates that the symbol does not matter) -ANY along the effective line. The winning of the small part of the bell is realized by arranging a combination of bell (bell symbol) -bell-bell symbol along the effective line. The winning combination of the watermelon small role is realized by arranging a combination of watermelon (watermelon symbol) -watermelon-watermelon symbol along the effective line.

  Replay winning is realized by arranging a combination of symbols of Replay-Replay-Replay along the active line. When the replay wins, the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted are automatically inserted (automatically inserted) in the next game, so that the player can play the next game without consuming medals.

  Next, the probability lottery table used when determining the winning combination will be described. The probability lottery table is a table used in the probability lottery process in step 110 described later.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a probability lottery table for a general gaming state that is referred to when the gaming state is a general gaming state, and FIG. 8B illustrates that the gaming state is a BB carryover state or an RB It is a figure which shows an example of the probability lottery table for carryover states referred in the carryover state.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in the probability lottery table for the general gaming state, BB or RB may be determined as the winning combination. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the probability lottery table for the carryover state, BB or RB is not determined as the winning combination.

  Although not shown here, the bonus medium probability lottery table referred to in the probability lottery process in the bonus game state (for example, BB game state, RB game state) is the same as the table shown in FIG. Configured. However, in the bonus medium probability lottery table, there is a winning probability combination different from the winning probability shown in the probability lottery table shown in FIG. Since the bonus medium probability lottery table is configured in the same manner as the conventional bonus medium probability lottery table, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a stop winning combination selection table used in a stop winning combination determining process in step 120 described later. In the stop winning combination selection table, the relationship between each winning combination, the stopping winning combination, and the carryover combination already set is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when BB or RB is determined as the winning combination and BB or RB is set as the carryover combination, the winning combination for stopping is determined to be lost with a probability of 1/1. .

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, when a small combination such as a bell or a watermelon is determined as a winning combination regardless of whether there is a carryover combination of BB or RB, the winning combination for stopping is 1/1. With a probability, the winning combination for stoppage is determined to be a small role such as a bell or a watermelon.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, when the BB or RB carryover combination is not set, if the winning combination is determined as the winning combination, the winning combination for the stop has a probability of 1/1. To be determined.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, when the carryover combination is BB or RB, when the winning combination is determined as the winning combination, the winning combination for stopping is determined to be BB or RB with a probability of 1/1. Is done.

  Although not shown, the ROM 32 stores a table (not shown) showing the relationship between the gaming state, the winning combination for stopping, and the stop table group to be selected. This table is used in the table line selection process in step 122 described later. The stop table group is a set of stop tables selected during stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Here, the contents of the selected stop table group can basically change according to the gaming state, the winning combination, and the winning combination for stopping.

  For example, if the winning winning combination is lost, the stop table group that cannot win a prize is selected. When the non-winning stop table group is selected, no winning combination is won regardless of the winning combination or the gaming state. On the other hand, when a winning possible stop table group is selected, a winning combination corresponding to the winning combination is possible, but winning of other winning combinations cannot be basically realized.

  For example, when the bell winning combination is determined as a stopping winning combination in the stop winning combination determination process described later, and a bell winning possible stop table group is selected, a bell winning can be realized. It is not possible to achieve a winning combination (for example, BB) other than the small part of the bell. However, depending on the operation timing of the player's stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, there is a possibility that the lost winning mode is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, when BB or RB is determined as a stop winning combination in the stop winning combination determination process described later, and BB winning stop table group or RB winning stop table group is selected, BB or RB Will be possible.

  The stop table group is used in the slip frame number determination process described later. For example, the BB winning stoptable group or the BB winning stoptable group used when BB or RB is determined as a winning winning combination is a combination of “red 7-red 7-red 7” symbols. It is arranged when the reels are controlled to stop so that BBs win alongside the effective line.

  In addition, the non-winning stop table used when a loss is determined as a winning combination for stop is such that a loss means that all the symbols corresponding to each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are not prepared, is established. This is used when the reel is controlled to stop.

  In addition, a winning combination stop table group used when a small combination (for example, a bell small combination) is determined as a winning combination for a stop is a combination of predetermined symbols (for example, a bell-bell) along a predetermined effective line. It is used when the reels are stopped and controlled so that the small combination wins. Here, the specific configuration of the stop table group is the same as that of the conventional one, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the maximum number of sliding frames is 4 frames. That is, based on the selected stop table, stop control is performed such that a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed at a predetermined effective line position within a maximum of 4 frames. The number of sliding symbols indicates the number of symbols that have moved in the symbol display area after the stop button is operated and before the reels stop (the amount of symbol movement (movement distance) until the reels stop) Showing). The number of sliding symbols is the symbol number of the symbol that was located on the predetermined winning line when the stop button was operated, and the symbol number of the symbol that stopped on the winning line when the reel actually stopped. Expressed by the absolute value of the difference.

  From the above, in a game in which BB or RB is determined as a winning combination, a carryover combination is also set to BB or RB in a probability lottery process (step 110-5 and step 110-6 in FIG. 15 to be described later). Is done. Then, in the above game, in the stop winning combination determination process (step 120 in FIG. 13 described later), the stop winning combination selection table shown in FIG. 9 is referred to, and the winning combination of BB or RB is already set. The winning combination for stop corresponding to the carryover combination BB or RB is determined to be lost. In the above game, the table line selection process (step 122 in FIG. 13 to be described later) selects the winning impossible stop table, so that stop control is performed so that BB or RB winning is not realized (described later). Step 200, Step 210 in FIG.

  In the next game after the above game, in the probability lottery process described later, the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 8B is referred to, and the winning combination is lost with a very high probability (1 / 1.346). It is determined. In the next game described above, the winning combination selection table for stopping shown in FIG. 9 is referred to in the stop winning combination determination process, and the winning combination of the loss and the carryover combination BB or RB already set are handled. The winning combination for stopping is determined to be BB or RB. In the next game, since the BB winning stop table group or the RB winning stop table group is selected in the table line selection process, stop control is performed so that BB or RB winning is realized ( Step 200 and step 210 of FIG. 14 described later.

  Next, a work area provided in the work RAM 85 of the image control circuit 80 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of work areas on the work RAM 85 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the work RAM 85 is provided with a plurality of work areas for storing a work area name, a range of values that can be taken in the work area, and remarks (meaning of values) in association with each other.

  Specifically, 0 or 1 is stored in the work area whose work area name is the in-game identifier. In this work area, 0 is a value indicating that the game is not currently being played (outside the game), and 1 is a value indicating that the game is currently being played (in the game). .

  Any value of 0 to 4 is stored in the work area whose work area name is the effect identifier. In this work area, 0 is a value indicating that the effect type is continuous effect 1, 1 is a value indicating that the effect type is continuous effect 2, and 2 is the effect type. A value indicating that the effect is a continuous effect 3, 3 is a value indicating that the effect type is the continuous effect 4, and 4 is a value indicating that the effect type is normal.

  In the work area whose work area name is the remaining effect game number counter, any value of 0 to 2 is stored. In this work area, 0 to 2 indicate the number of remaining games of effects performed over a plurality of games, respectively.

  In the work area whose work area name is the gaming state identifier, any value of 0 to 4 is stored. In this work area, 0 is a value indicating that the current gaming state is the general gaming state, 1 is a value indicating that the current gaming state is the BB carryover state, and 2 is the current gaming state. The value indicating that the gaming state is the RB carryover state, 3 is a value indicating that the current gaming state is the BB general gaming state, and 4 is that the current gaming state is the RB gaming state. Is a value indicating

  In the work area whose work area name is the winning combination identifier, any value of 00H to FFH expressed in hexadecimal is stored. In this work area, a value in which bit 5 is on (bit 5 is 1) indicates that BB is a winning combination (including a carryover combination), and a value in which bit 4 is on (bit 4 is 1) is A value indicating that RB is a winning combination (including a carryover combination) and bit 3 is on (bit 3 is 1) indicates that replay is a winning combination (or RB is a winning combination during BB general games) A value with bit 2 on (bit 2 is 1) indicates that the watermelon small character is a winning combination, and a value with bit 1 on (bit 1 is 1) is a bell small character. Indicates that it is a winning combination, and a value in which bit 0 is on (bit 0 is 1) indicates that a cherry small combination is a winning combination. In the work area whose work area name is the winning combination identifier, any value of 00H to FFH expressed in hexadecimal is stored, and the meaning of the value is the work whose work area name is the winning combination identifier. The same as the area.

  In the work area whose work area name is a random number counter, any value from 0 to 127 is stored. The value stored in this work area is a value that is updated (counted up) every 2 ms in a random number counter update process (step 431 in FIG. 16D described later).

  In the work area whose work area name is the stop reel identifier, one of values 0 to 2 is stored. In this work area, 0 indicates that the stopped reel is the reel 3L (left reel) or that the left stop button 7L is pressed and the symbol on the left reel is stopped (hereinafter referred to as “reel”). The image indicating that the design of the reel is stopped is referred to as a stop display image). 1 indicates that the stopped reel is the reel 3C (medium reel), or the middle stop button 7C is a value indicating that an image indicating that the symbol of the inner reel is stopped (inner stop display image) is displayed, and 2 is a reel 3R (right reel) where the stopped reel is displayed. Or a value indicating that an image (right stop display image) indicating that the design of the right reel is stopped by pressing the right stop button 7R is displayed.

  A value of 0 to 20 is stored in the work area whose work area name is the stop symbol identification number. In this work area, a symbol number corresponding to a symbol stopped on the center line 8c of the reel (stop reel) specified by the above-described stop reel identifier is stored.

  A value of 0 or 1 is stored in the work area whose work area name is the left reel rotation identifier, middle reel rotation identifier, and right reel rotation identifier. In these work areas, 0 is a value indicating that the reel is stopped (stopped), and 1 is a value indicating that the reel is rotating (rotating). . Note that 0 of the left reel rotation identifier is a value indicating that the left stop display image is to be displayed or is being displayed.

  In the work area whose work area name is the VDP counter name, one of values 0 to 2 is stored. In the work area whose work area name is the unprocessed command storage area, commands received from the main control circuit 60 and not processed are stored.

  A value of 0 to 4 is stored in the work area where the work area is an activated pay line. In this work area, 0 is a value indicating that the center line 8c has been activated, 1 is a value indicating that the top line 8b has been activated, and 2 is an activation of the bottom line 8d. 3 is a value indicating that the cross-down line 8a is activated, and 4 is a value indicating that the cross-up line 8e is activated.

  Next, an effect determination table for determining an effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an effect determination table according to the present embodiment. This effect determination table is stored in the program ROM 83 and is a table referred to in a game start process described later.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the effect determination table shows the relationship between the type of winning combination, the range of effect random numbers, and the effect content. Specifically, the image control CPU 82 specifies the type of winning combination based on the winning combination identifier included in the game start command received from the main control circuit 60, and the work area name of the work RAM 85 in which the work area name described above is a random number counter. The content of the effect is specified by reading the random number stored in the work area from the work area.

  For example, when the winning combination identified by the winning combination identifier is BB and the random number read from the work area whose work area name is a random number counter is 3, the image control CPU 82 refers to the effect determination table. Thus, the continuous effect 1 corresponding to the random number range including the winning combination BB and the effect random number 3 is determined as the effect content. When the winning combination identified by the winning combination identifier is RB and the random number read from the work area whose work area name is a random number counter is 100, the image control CPU 82 refers to the effect determination table. Thus, the continuous effect 4 corresponding to the random number range including the winning combination RB and the effect random number 100 is determined as the effect content. When the winning combination identified by the winning combination identifier is a bell small role and the random number read from the work area whose work area name is a random number counter is 100, the image control CPU 82 displays the effect determination table. Referring to, normal is determined as the production content.

  Next, an effect table for determining an effect image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 at each stage in a plurality of games will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect table of the present embodiment. This effect table is stored in the program ROM 83 and is a table referred to in a game medal insertion process described later.

  As the above-described stages, a stage (BET) after a predetermined operation (pressing operation) is performed on the BET switch 50 and a predetermined operation (for example, a pressing operation) are performed on the start lever 6. After the stage (lever) and all the reels are rotating, after the predetermined operation (pressing operation) is first performed on the stop button, or in the liquid crystal display unit 5b, all fluctuations When a display image (a variation display image showing variation of the reel design, which is displayed in each of the three display frame images) is displayed, a predetermined operation (pressing operation) is first performed on the stop button. A stage after the first operation (1st) and after a predetermined operation is performed on the stop button when one reel is stopped and the remaining reels are rotating, or in two display frame images A variable display image is displayed on A stage (2nd) after a predetermined operation (pressing operation) is performed on the stop button when a stop display image indicating the stop of the design of the reel is displayed in one display frame image; When two reels are stopped and the remaining reels are rotating (when only one reel is rotating) after a predetermined operation is performed on the stop button, or one display frame A stage after a predetermined operation (pushing operation) is performed on the stop button when the variable display image is displayed in the image and the stop display image is displayed in the two display frame images; There is a stage (winning) after all the reels are stopped or after the stop display image is displayed in the three display frame images.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the effect table, the effect contents, the value of the remaining effect game number counter, and the effect data at each stage are associated with each other. Specifically, the image control CPU 82 determines the contents of the effect with reference to the above-described effect determination table, and is stored in the work area from the work area of the work RAM 85 whose work area name is the remaining effect game number counter. And the stage in one game is specified based on the command received from the main control circuit 60. Then, the image control CPU 82 refers to the effect table, and determines effect data corresponding to the specified effect content, the value of the remaining effect game number counter, and the specified stage in one game.

  For example, the content of the effect determined with reference to the effect determination table is the continuous effect 2, the value read from the work area whose work area name is the remaining effect game number counter is 2, and the stages in one game are in stages. In the case of (lever), the image control CPU 82 determines the continuous effect 2-2 (lever) as effect data.

  Here, in the contents of the effects of the continuous effects 1 to 4, when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 2, in the display performed according to the effect data (1st), the stop button pressed first during the rotation of all the reels A display frame image showing a display frame covering the symbol display area corresponding to is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5 b of the liquid crystal display device 5. In the effect contents of the continuous effects 1 to 4, when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 2, in the display performed according to the effect data (2nd), the liquid crystal display unit 5b of the liquid crystal display device 5 is pressed first. A display frame covering the symbol display area corresponding to the stop button (for example, when the first pressed stop button is the left stop button 7L, the symbol display area corresponding to the left stop button 7L is the symbol display area 21L). An image and a display frame image that covers the symbol display area corresponding to the stop button pressed second during rotation of the two reels are displayed. In the effect contents of the continuous effects 1 to 4, when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 2, in the display performed according to the effect data (3rd), the three symbol display areas 21L are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b of the liquid crystal display device 5. , 21C, and 21R, three display frame images are displayed.

  Specifically, the contents of the effects of continuous effects 1 and 2 include effect data (display frame pattern 1), effect data (display frame pattern 2), effect data (display frame pattern 3), effect data (display frame). Pattern 4), production data (display frame pattern 5), production data (display frame pattern 6) are associated with each other.

  In the display according to the effect data (display frame pattern 1), a display frame image that covers the left symbol display area 21L is displayed (for example, a display frame image 14L in FIG. 22A described later). In the display according to the effect data (display frame pattern 2), a display frame image that covers the inside symbol display area 21C is displayed. In the display according to the effect data (display frame pattern 3), a display frame image that covers the right symbol display area 21R is displayed. In the display according to the effect data (display frame pattern 4), a display frame image that covers the left symbol display area 21L and a display frame image that covers the middle symbol display area 21C are displayed (for example, , Display frame images 14L and 14C in FIG. In the display according to the effect data (display frame pattern 5), a display frame image that covers the left symbol display area 21L and a display frame image that covers the right symbol display area 21R are displayed. In the display according to the effect data (display frame pattern 6), a display frame image that covers the right symbol display area 21R and a display frame image that covers the middle symbol display area 21C are displayed.

  Then, when the contents of the effects of the continuous effects 1 and 2 are determined and the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 2, data indicating the pressing operation of the left stop button 7L from the main control circuit 60 during the rotation of all the reels ( When a reel stop command (to be described later) is sent, the image control CPU 82 sets effect data (display frame pattern 1) in continuous effect 1-2 (1st) or continuous effect 2-2 (1st). Further, when the contents of the effects of the continuous effects 1 and 2 are determined and the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 2, data indicating the pressing operation of the middle stop button 7C from the main control circuit 60 during the rotation of all the reels. When the image is sent, the image control CPU 82 sets the effect data (display frame pattern 2) in the continuous effect 1-2 (1st) or the continuous effect 2-2 (1st). In addition, when the contents of the effects of the continuous effects 1 and 2 are determined and the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 2, data indicating the pressing operation of the right stop button 7R from the main control circuit 60 during the rotation of all the reels. When sent, the image control CPU 82 sets the effect data (display frame pattern 3) in the continuous effect 1-2 (1st) or the continuous effect 2-2 (1st).

  When the contents of the effects of the continuous effects 1 and 2 are determined and the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 2, the main control circuit 60 stops the left reel 3L or the middle reel 3C and the remaining two When data indicating the pressing operation of the middle stop button 7L or the left stop button 7C (reel stop command) is sent during the rotation of the reel, the image control CPU 82 performs the continuous effect 1-2 (2nd) or the continuous effect. In 2-2 (2nd), effect data (display frame pattern 4) is set, and while the left reel 3L or the right reel 3R is stopped and the remaining two reels are rotating, the right stop button 7R or When data indicating the pressing operation of the left stop button 7L is sent, the image control CPU 82 outputs the effect data (display frame pattern 5) to the continuous effect 1-2 (2nd) or the continuous effect 2-2 (2nd). When the data indicating the pressing operation of the right stop button 7R or the middle stop button 7C is sent while the middle reel 3C or the right reel 3R is stopped and the remaining two reels are rotating, The image control CPU 82 sets the effect data (display frame pattern 6) in the continuous effect 1-2 (2nd) or the continuous effect 2-2 (2nd).

  Also in the case of the continuous effects 3 and 4, as described above, the effect data (display frame pattern 1) is included in the continuous effects 3-2 (1st to 2nd) and the continuous effects 3-2 (1st to 2nd), respectively. Any one of the production data (display frame pattern 6) is set.

  In addition, the display frame image displayed according to each production data of continuous production 2 and the display frame image displayed according to each production data of continuous production 2 differ in the display mode (for example, shape etc.), for example. Also good. Moreover, the display frame image displayed according to each production data of the continuous production 3 and the display frame image displayed according to each production data of the continuous production 4 are different in display mode (for example, shape). Also good.

  Further, in the contents of the effects of the continuous effects 1 to 4, when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, in the display performed according to the effect data (lever), three display frames are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b of the liquid crystal display device 5. In each of the images, a variable display image is displayed, and a character image “Please press the stop button” is displayed at a predetermined position (see, for example, FIG. 23A described later).

  In the effect contents of the continuous effects 1 and 2, when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, in the display performed according to the effect data (1st), the liquid crystal display unit 5b of the liquid crystal display device 5 is pressed first. Display frame image corresponding to the stop button (for example, in FIG. 23 described later, when the first pressed stop button is the left stop button 7L, the display frame image corresponding to the left stop button 7L is the display frame image 14L) A stop display image (for example, an image of 7) is displayed, and a variable display image is displayed in the remaining two display frame images, and a text image “Please press the stop button” is displayed at a predetermined position. Is displayed (for example, see FIG. 23B described later). In the effect contents of the continuous effects 1 and 2, when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, in the display performed according to the effect data (2nd), the liquid crystal display unit 5b of the liquid crystal display device 5 is pressed first. A stop display image (for example, an image of 7) is displayed in the display frame image corresponding to the stop button and the second pressed stop button, and a variable display image is displayed in the remaining one display frame image. In addition, a character image “please press the stop button” is displayed at a predetermined position (see, for example, FIG. 24C described later). When the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1 in the effect contents of the continuous effects 1 and 2, in the display performed according to the effect data (3nd), stop display images (for example, 7 (For example, see FIG. 24D described later).

  In the effect contents of the continuous effects 3 to 4, when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, the display performed according to the effect data (1st, 2nd, 3rd) For example, instead of the image 7, an image BAR is displayed as the stop display image.

  Specifically, the contents of the effects of continuous effects 1 and 2 include effect data (variable display pattern 1), effect data (variable display pattern 2), effect data (variable display pattern 3), and effect data (variable display). Pattern 4), effect data (variable display pattern 5), and effect data (variable display pattern 6) are associated with each other.

  In the display according to the effect data (variable display pattern 1), a stop display image (for example, an image 7) is displayed in the left display frame image, and a variable display image is displayed in the remaining two display frame images. Is done. In the display according to the effect data (variable display pattern 2), the stop display image (for example, an image of 7) is displayed in the middle display frame image, and the variable display image is displayed in the remaining two display frame images. Is done. In the display according to the effect data (variable display pattern 3), a stop display image (for example, an image 7) is displayed in the right display frame image, and a variable display image is displayed in the remaining two display frame images. Is done. In the display according to the effect data (variable display pattern 4), a stop display image (for example, an image of 7) is displayed in the left and middle display frame images, and a variable display image is displayed in the right display frame image. Is done. In the display according to the effect data (variable display pattern 5), a stop display image (for example, an image 7) is displayed in the left and right display frame images, and a variable display image is displayed in the right display frame image. Is done. In the display according to the effect data (variable display pattern 6), a stop display image (for example, an image 7) is displayed in the middle and right display frame images, and a variable display image is displayed in the left display frame image. Is done.

  Then, the contents of the effects of the continuous effects 1 and 2 are determined and the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, and the display according to the continuous effects 1-1 (lever) or 2-1 (lever) is performed. When the main control circuit 60 sends data indicating a pressing operation of the left stop button 7L (a variable display stop command, which will be described later), the image control CPU 82 respectively displays the continuous effect 1-1 (1st ) Or continuous effect 2-1 (1st), when the effect data (variable display pattern 1) is set and data indicating the pressing operation of the middle stop button 7C is sent from the main control circuit 60, the image control CPU 82 The effect data (variable display pattern 2) is set in the continuous effect 1-1 (1st) or the continuous effect 2-1 (1st), respectively, and data indicating the pressing operation of the right stop button 7R from the main control circuit 60. If is sent, the image control CPU82, respectively, a continuous effect 1-1 (1st) or continuous effect 2-1 (1st), and sets the effect data (variable display pattern 3).

  In addition, the contents of the effects of the continuous effects 1 and 2 are determined, and the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, as a display according to the continuous effects 1-1 (1st) or 2-1 (1st), Data indicating the pressing operation of the middle stop button 7C or the left stop button 7R from the main control circuit 60 when display according to the effect data (variable display pattern 1) or the effect data (variable display pattern 2) is performed. When (variable display stop command) is sent, the image control CPU 82 sets the effect data (variable display pattern 4) in the continuous effect 1-1 (2nd) or the continuous effect 2-2 (2nd), respectively. A table according to effect data (variable display pattern 1) or effect data (variable display pattern 3) as a display according to continuous effect 1-1 (1st) or 2-1 (1st) from the main control circuit 60. When the data indicating the pressing operation of the right stop button 7R or the left stop button 7L is sent while the image control CPU 82 is performing, the image control CPU 82 performs the continuous effect 1-2 (2nd) or the continuous effect 2-2 (2nd ) Is set with effect data (variable display pattern 5), and the main control circuit 60 displays the effect data (variable display pattern 2) or effect as a display according to continuous effects 1-1 (1st) or 2-1 (1st). When data according to the pressing operation of the right stop button 7R or the middle stop button 7C is sent while the display according to the data (variable display pattern 3) is performed, the image control CPU 82 causes the continuous effect 1-2. Production data (variable display pattern 6) is set in (2nd) or continuous production 2-2 (2nd).

  Also in the case of the continuous effects 3 and 4, as described above, the effect data (variable display pattern 1) is included in the continuous effects 3-2 (1st to 2nd) and the continuous effects 3-2 (1st to 2nd), respectively. Any one of the production data (variable display pattern 6) is set.

  However, the stop display image displayed according to each effect data of continuous effect 1 and the stop display image displayed according to each effect data of continuous effect 2 are different in, for example, the display mode (for example, shape). . Moreover, the display mode (for example, shape etc.) differs between the stop display image displayed according to each production data of continuous production 3, and the stop display image displayed according to each production data of continuous production 4, for example. .

  Each effect data determined with reference to the effect table described above (for example, effect data (display frame pattern 1) set in the continuous effect 1-2) is associated with a plurality of image data. Each image data is associated with, for example, data relating to the position and size at which the image data is displayed. A table indicating these correspondences (relationship between each effect data, a plurality of image data, and data relating to the position and size at which the image data is displayed) is stored in, for example, the program ROM 83 and will be described later. This is referred to in the image drawing process.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the main operation of the main control circuit 60 of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the probability lottery process in the main operation of the main control circuit 60 of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment. FIGS. 16-21 is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the image control circuit 80 of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment. 22-24 is a figure which shows an example of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display part 5b of this embodiment.

  In step 10, the main CPU 31 initializes data and communication data stored in the RAM 33. In step 20, the main CPU 31 erases the parameters used in the previous game from the predetermined area of the RAM 33 and writes the parameters used in the current game in the predetermined area of the RAM 33.

  In step 30, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed since the last game was finished (when all reels (reels 3L, 3C, 3R) were stopped). The main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 40 when 30 seconds have elapsed from the end of the previous game, and proceeds to the process of step 50 when 30 seconds have not elapsed. In step 40, the main CPU 31 transmits a demonstration display command for instructing to display a demonstration image on the liquid crystal display device 5 to the image control circuit 80.

  In step 50, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there is an automatic insertion request (that is, whether or not replay has been won in the previous game). When there is an automatic input request, the main CPU 31 proceeds to step 60, and when there is no automatic input request, the main CPU 31 proceeds to step 70.

  In step 60, the main CPU 31 automatically inserts medals in response to the automatic insertion request, and transmits a game medal insertion command indicating that a medal has been inserted to the image control circuit 80.

  In step 70, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a medal has been inserted (that is, whether or not there is an input signal based on a predetermined operation on the BET switch 50). When a medal is inserted, the main CPU 31 transmits a game medal insertion command indicating that a medal has been inserted to the image control circuit 80 and proceeds to the processing of step 80. When no medal is inserted, The processing returns to step 30.

  In step 80, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there is an input signal from the start switch 6S based on a predetermined operation on the start lever 6. When there is an input signal from the start switch 6S, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 90, and when there is no input signal from the start switch 6S, the main CPU 31 returns to the process of step 80.

  In step 90, the main CPU 31 extracts the random number generated by the random number generator 36 as a random number for probability lottery by the sampling circuit 37. In step 100, the main CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process. A specific description of this process is as follows.

  The main CPU 31 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state. When the gaming state is the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state, the main CPU 31 sets the gaming state according to each gaming state. When the gaming state is neither the BB general gaming state nor the RB gaming state, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not BB is set in the carryover combination. When the BB is set as the carryover combination, the main CPU 31 sets the BB carryover state as the gaming state. When the BB is not set for the carryover combination, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB is set for the carryover combination. When the RB is set as the carryover combination, the main CPU 31 sets the RB carryover state as the gaming state. When neither BB nor RB is set for the carryover combination, the main CPU 31 sets the general gaming state as the gaming state.

  In step 110, the main CPU 31 performs a probability lottery process. Specifically, the main CPU 31 refers to the probability lottery table corresponding to the gaming state and determines the winning combination based on the random number extracted in step 90. Details of the probability lottery process will be described later.

  In step 111, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the lock flag is on. The lock flag is a flag for permitting the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. When the lock flag is on, the process does not proceed to the process of step 120 described later (ie, step No transition to 160 reel rotation processing is performed). This lock flag is turned on under predetermined conditions in step 110-11 of the probability lottery process (details will be described later). During steps 111 to 118, the main CPU 31 receives a signal from the start switch 6S (a signal indicating the operation of the start lever 6) and a signal from the BET switch 50 (a signal indicating the operation of the BET switch). Even if a signal indicating a game operation relating to a game such as is received, it is invalidated.

  When the lock flag is on, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 112, and when the lock flag is not on, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 120. If it is determined YES in step 111, the main CPU 31 transmits a command for starting display of the variable display image. When the image control CPU 82 of the image control circuit 80 receives the above command, it sets so as to perform display control of the variable display image.

  In step 112, the main CPU 31 calculates the value of the timer for 1 game monitoring saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 in the probability lottery process of step 110 (step 110-10 described later) from the set lock management timer value. Subtract. The lock management timer is a timer that manages the time for which the above-described lock flag is turned on, and a predetermined value is set in step 110-12 of the probability lottery process (details will be described later). The one-game monitoring timer is a timer for monitoring the elapsed time in each game. For example, a time (for example, 4.1 seconds) required from the end of the previous game to the start of the current game is set in this timer. The one-game monitoring timer includes an automatic stop timer for automatically stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R without performing a predetermined operation on the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. .

  In step 113, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined operation (pressing operation) has been performed on any of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. Specifically, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop button has been operated based on the stop command signal from the reel stop signal circuit 43. Here, the stop command signal includes information for specifying the stop button. When the stop button is operated, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 114, and when the stop button is not operated, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 115.

  At the stage of step 113, the operation of the image control circuit 80 described later (steps 515 and 528) causes the liquid crystal display unit 5b to display at least one of the display frame images 14L, 14C and 14R. The variable display image is displayed (display in any one of FIG. 23A, FIG. 23B, and FIG. 24C). When the player presses a stop button (for example, the right stop button 7R in the case of FIG. 24C) corresponding to the displayed variable display image, it is determined in step 113 that the right stop button 7R is turned on. Is done.

  In step 114, the main CPU 31 transmits to the image control circuit 80 a variable display stop command indicating that the stop button has been operated when the variable display image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b. This variable display stop command includes information indicating a reel related to the variable display image corresponding to the stop button pressed in step 113. For example, as shown in FIG. 23A, the variable display image corresponding to the stop button 7L is a variable display image displayed in the display frame image 14L, and indicates a reel related to the variable display image. Information is information indicating the left reel. Hereinafter, information indicating the reel related to the variable display image corresponding to the stop button pressed in step 113 is referred to as information indicating the pseudo stop reel. Information indicating the pseudo stop reel is associated with any one of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation.

  For example, when the left stop button 7L is pressed in step 113, the variable display stop command includes information indicating the left reel corresponding to the left stop button 7L (information indicating the pseudo stop reel). It is.

  In step 115, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the variable display automatic stop timer is zero. The variable display automatic stop timer is for automatically switching the display of the variable display image on the liquid crystal display unit 5b to the stop display image. When the value of the variable display automatic stop timer is 0, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 116, and when the value of the variable display automatic stop timer is not 0, the main CPU 31 returns to the process of step 113.

  In step 116, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the lock management timer is zero. When the value of the lock management timer is 0, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 118, and otherwise proceeds to the process of step 117.

  In step 117, the main CPU 31 updates the value of the lock management timer (subtracts the value corresponding to the passage of time). Then, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 116.

  In step 118, the main CPU 31 sets the lock flag to OFF and sets the value of the carryover number counter to 0. This carryover counter is for counting the number of games played after the game in which BB or RB is set (the number of games including the game in which BB or RB is set) as a carryover combination. In step 110-8 of the process, the counter value is added (details will be described later).

  In step 120, the main CPU 31 determines a winning combination for stoppage. Specifically, the main CPU 31 refers to the stop winning combination selection table shown in FIG. 9 and determines the winning combination for stop according to the winning combination determined in step 110 and the carryover combination set. Do.

  In step 122, the main CPU 31 performs processing for selecting a stop table corresponding to the winning combination for stop determined in step 120.

  In step 125, the main CPU 31 transmits a command (game start command) indicating that the game is started to the image control circuit 80. The game start command includes data for specifying the game state and data for specifying the winning combination determined in step 110.

  In step 130, the main CPU 31 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game was started. Specifically, when the main CPU 31 determines in step 111 that the lock flag is not on, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the timer for starting one game is zero. If the main CPU 31 determines in step 111 that the lock flag is on, it determines that 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game was started. When 4.1 seconds have elapsed, the main CPU 31 proceeds to step 150, and when 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the main CPU 31 proceeds to step 140.

  In step 140, the main CPU 31 digests the game start waiting time. Specifically, until the above-described 4.1 seconds elapse, the main CPU 31 invalidates the input according to a predetermined operation by the player for starting the game.

  In step 150, the main CPU 31 sets a value of one game monitoring timer (for example, 4.1 seconds).

  In step 160, the main CPU 31 performs a reel rotation process. Specifically, the main CPU 31 controls the motor drive circuit 41 to rotate the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The main CPU 31 stands by in this process until the rotation speed of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R becomes constant. When the rotation speeds of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R become constant, the main CPU 31 writes information indicating that the rotation speeds of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are constant in the RAM 33. As a result, the main CPU 31 controls the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R through the motor drive circuit 41 and the like so that the rotation speed is performed at a constant speed.

  In step 170, the main CPU 31 transmits a reel stop permission command for permitting the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to be stopped. That is, the main CPU 31 validates an input signal based on a predetermined operation on the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R.

  In step 180, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined operation (pressing operation) has been performed on any of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. When the stop button is operated, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 200, and when the stop button is not operated, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 190.

  In step 190, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is 0 (that is, whether or not the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is automatically stopped). When the value of the automatic stop timer is 0, the main CPU 31 proceeds to step 200, and when the value of the automatic stop timer is not 0, the main CPU 31 returns to step 180.

  In step 200, the main CPU 31 receives the stop table selected in step 122, the winning combination determined in step 110, and the timing when the stop command signal from the reel stop signal circuit 43 is input (the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are The number of sliding frames is determined based on the operation timing. In addition, when the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is operated at the timing when the symbol in the winning combination is in the range of 0 frame to 4 frames, there is a possibility that the symbols in the winning combination can be aligned. If the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is operated at a timing when the symbol in the winning combination is not within the range of 0 frame to 4 frames, the symbols in the winning combination cannot be aligned.

  In step 210, the main CPU 31 rotates the target reel (reel to be stopped) by the number of sliding frames determined in step 200 to stop the target reel, and information indicating the stopped reel, predetermined information. A reel stop command including the number of the symbol stopped on the active line is transmitted to the image control circuit 80. Information indicating the stopped reel (hereinafter referred to as information indicating the stopped reel) is associated with any one of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation.

  In step 220, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not all reels have stopped. The main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 230 when all the reels are stopped, and returns to the process of step 180 when all the reels are not stopped.

  In step 230, the main CPU 31 transmits an all reel stop command indicating that all reels have stopped to the image control circuit 80.

  In step 240, the main CPU 31 performs a winning search process. Specifically, the main CPU 31 specifies a winning combination based on a symbol number of symbols arranged along the active line and a winning determination table (not shown). Further, the main CPU 31 sets a winning flag for specifying a winning combination corresponding to the combination of symbols arranged along the active line.

  In step 250, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning flag set in step 240 is normal. The main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 260 when the winning flag is not normal, and proceeds to the process of step 270 when the winning flag is normal. In determining whether the winning flag is normal, it is determined that the winning combination is normal when the winning combination is included in the winning combination. For example, if the winning combination is a bell small combination or a watermelon small combination, the winning combination is determined to be normal if the winning combination is a bell small combination, a watermelon small combination or a loser.

  In step 260, the main CPU 31 displays an illegal error indicating that the winning flag is not normal. In step 270, the main CPU 31 includes information for specifying a winning combination specified by the winning flag, information for specifying a winning line (limited to an effective line) in which a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is arranged, and the like. A winning command is transmitted to the image control circuit 80. For example, when the bell symbol is arranged on the upper stage of the reel 3L, the bell figure is arranged on the middle stage of the reel 3C, and the bell figure is arranged on the lower stage of the reel 3R, the main CPU 31 specifies the role of the bell and the cross down line 8a. A winning command is transmitted to the image control circuit 80.

  In step 280, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning combination identified by the winning flag is BB or RB. When the winning combination is BB or RB, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 290, and when the winning combination is not BB or RB, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 300.

  In step 290, the main CPU 31 clears BB or RB set as a carryover combination. Further, the main CPU 31 shifts the gaming state to the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state.

  In step 300, the main CPU 31 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination as a payout or gives medal credits. Specifically, when a game is played with credit, the main CPU 31 increases the number of medals displayed on the credit display unit 19 by the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination. On the other hand, the main CPU 31 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination from the medal payout opening 15 when a game is played with the medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22.

  In step 310, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the gaming state is the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state. When the gaming state is the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 320, and when the gaming state is neither the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 20. Move.

  In step 320, the main CPU 31 performs a BB game number (BB game number) check and an RB game number (RB game number) check. In this process, for example, the number of games in the BB general gaming state, the number of occurrences of the RB gaming state in the BB general gaming state, the number of games in the RB gaming state, and the number of winnings in the RB gaming state are checked.

  In step 330, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state has ended. Specifically, after the BB wins, the main CPU 31 receives 8 JAC games in the 3rd RB gaming state, 12 games in the 3rd RB gaming state, and in the BB general gaming state. It is determined whether or not the number of games is 30 times.

  Also, after detecting that BAR-BAR-BAR is stopped and displayed along the active line, after the RB wins, the main CPU 31 has received 8 JAC games in the RB gaming state, Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the number of games in the RB gaming state is twelve. The main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 340 when the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state is finished, and proceeds to the processing of step 20 when the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state is not finished.

  In step 340, the main CPU 31 performs processing at the end of BB or RB. Specifically, the main CPU 31 performs a process of returning the gaming state to the general gaming state after the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state ends. Further, the main CPU 31 deletes the parameters used in the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state from the RAM 33. Further, the main CPU 31 transmits a BB end command indicating the end of the BB gaming state or an RB end command indicating the end of the RB gaming state to the image control circuit 80 according to the gaming state to be ended.

  Next, detailed description of the probability lottery process in step 110 will be given below. As shown in FIG. 15, in step 110-1, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the BB carryover state or the RB carryover state. When the main CPU 31 is in the BB carryover state or the RB carryover state, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 110-2, and when not in the BB carryover state or the RB carryover state, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 110-3.

  In step 110-2, the main CPU 31 refers to the carry-over state probability lottery table (FIG. 8B) and determines the winning combination in the random number range including the random number extracted in step 90 as the winning combination. For example, the main CPU 31 refers to the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 8B, and if the random number extracted in step 90 is 20, the main CPU 31 plays the role of watermelon in the random number range (0 to 327) including 20 decide.

  In step 110-3, the main CPU 31 determines the probability lottery table for the general gaming state (FIG. 8A), the probability lottery table for the BB gaming state (not shown), or the probability lottery table for the RB gaming state (not shown). With reference to (omitted), the combination in the random number range including the random number extracted in step 90 is determined.

  In step 110-4, the main CPU 31 sets the lottery result (decided combination) in step 110-2 or step 110-3 as a winning combination.

  In step 110-5, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning combination set in step 110-4 is BB or RB. When the winning combination is BB or RB, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 110-6, and when the winning combination is not BB or RB, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 110-7.

  In step 110-6, the main CPU 31 sets the winning combination (BB or RB) set in step 110-4 as a carryover combination. In the processing of step 110-6, the BB or RB set as the winning combination is set as the carryover combination, so that the BB carryover state or the RB carryover state continues until the BB or RB actually wins.

  In step 110-7, the main CPU 31 determines whether the carryover combination is BB or RB. When the carryover combination is BB or RB, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the processing of step 110-8, and when the carryover combination is not BB or RB (when there is no carryover combination), the main CPU 31 ends the probability lottery process.

  In step 110-8, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the value of the carryover number counter. In step 110-9, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the carryover number counter is 2. When the value of the carryover number counter is 2, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the processing of Step 110-10, and when the value of the carryover number counter is not 2, the main CPU 31 ends the probability lottery process.

  In step 110-10, the main CPU 31 saves the currently set one-game monitoring timer value in a predetermined area of the RAM 33.

  In step 110-11, the main CPU 31 turns on the lock flag. In step 110-12, the main CPU 31 determines and sets the value of the lock management timer by lottery. Specifically, the main CPU 31 uses the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 to extract one random number. Then, the main CPU 31 refers to a table in which the random number range and the initial value of the lock management timer are associated with each other, and sets a predetermined value (set to the lock management timer corresponding to the random number range including the extracted random number). For example, 30 seconds) is determined and set.

  Next, the operation of the above-described image control circuit 80 (image control CPU 82) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image control CPU 82 in the present embodiment. The image control CPU 82 performs the following operation based on the command received from the main control circuit 60 and information stored in each work area of the work RAM 85.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, in step 401, the image control CPU 82 stores data (each identifier and counter value shown in FIG. 10), control RAM 88, and video RAM 89 stored in each work area of the work RAM 85. In addition to initializing the data, interrupts by main / int processing, VDP / int processing, and 2 ms / int processing described later are permitted.

  In step 402, the image control CPU 82 performs command input processing based on the command received from the main control circuit 60. Details of the command input process will be described later.

  In step 403, the image control CPU 82 uses the effect data (effect data related to the LEDs 100, the lamps 101, and the speakers 102) updated in an effect data update process (step 432), which will be described later, as a command. 90.

  In step 404, the image control CPU 82 performs image drawing processing. Specifically, the image control CPU 82 receives image data from the image ROM 84 based on effect data (effect data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b of the liquid crystal display device 5) selected in a game medal insertion process described later. Is read. Further, the image control CPU 82 refers to a table in which each image data is associated with data such as a position where each image data is displayed, and the display position and size of the read image data and the above image data. Is transmitted to the image control IC 87 (VDP). The image control IC 87 (VDP) also stores image data (stored in one frame buffer area provided in the video RAM 89 based on the received image data and information related to the display position and size of the image data). 1 frame), the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b, and the image data relating to the next image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b is stored in the other frame buffer area provided in the video RAM 89.

  In step 405, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the value of the VDP counter is 2. The value of the VDP counter is counted up (added by 1) when a VDP / int process described later occurs at a predetermined cycle (every 1/60 seconds). If this determination is YES, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to the process of step 406, and if it is NO, the image control CPU 82 waits until the value of the VDP counter becomes 2.

  In step 406, the image control CPU 82 sets 0 to the value of the VDP counter. In step 407, the image control CPU 82 instructs the image control IC 87 to switch banks. Specifically, the image control CPU 82 instructs the image control IC 87 to switch the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b every 1/30 seconds. Thereby, the effect can be displayed as a moving image on the liquid crystal display unit 5b.

  FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a flow of interrupt processing (main / int processing) that occurs every time a command is received from the main control circuit 60. As shown in FIG. 16B, in step 411, the image control CPU 82 stores the command from the main control circuit 60 as an unprocessed command in the work area of the work RAM 85 whose work area name is an unprocessed command storage area. . Then, the image control CPU 82 returns to the flow (address) before the main / int processing occurs.

  FIG. 16C is a diagram showing a flow of interrupt processing (VDP / int processing) that occurs every predetermined cycle (for example, 1/60 seconds). As shown in FIG. 16C, in step 421, the image control CPU 82 adds 1 to the value of the VDP counter. Then, the image control CPU 82 returns to the flow (address) before the VDP / int processing occurs.

  FIG. 16D is a flowchart showing periodic interrupt processing (for example, interrupt processing generated every 2 msec) in the image control CPU 82. As shown in FIG. 16D, in step 431, the image control CPU 82 updates the value stored in the work area of the work RAM 85 whose work area name is a random number counter in the range of 0-127. In step 432, the image control CPU 82 updates the effect data (effect data for sound effect and lamp effect) output to the sound / lamp control circuit 90.

  Next, the command input process described above will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing command input processing in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in step 402-1, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed command received from the main control circuit 60 in the work area of the work RAM 85 whose work area name is an unprocessed command storage area. Determine whether. If there is an unprocessed command, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to the process of step 402-2. If there is no unprocessed command, the image control CPU 82 ends the command input process. When there is an unprocessed command, the image control CPU 82 sets a return address to which the return to the command input process is performed after the jump process in step 402-2 is completed.

  In step 102-2, the image control CPU 82 jumps to a process corresponding to the type of unprocessed command. As the jump destination process, there are a game medal insertion process, a game start process, a reel stop process, a winning process and the like which will be described later. A detailed description of these jump destination processes will be given later.

  When the jump destination process ends, the process proceeds to a command input process based on the return address.

In step 402-3, the image control CPU 82 sets the unprocessed command to processed. Specifically, for example, the image control CPU 82 erases the data stored in the work RAM 85 as an unprocessed command.
Next, in step 402, when the type of unprocessed command is a game medal insertion command, the jump destination process (game medal insertion process) will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing game medal insertion processing in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in step 501, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the in-game identifier stored in the work area of the work RAM 85 is zero. The image control CPU 82 proceeds to the process of step 502 when the in-game identifier is 0, and ends the game medal insertion process when the in-game identifier is not 0.

  In step 502, the image control CPU 82 sets 1 in the game identifier (set during game).

  In step 503, the image control CPU 82 refers to the effect table (FIG. 12) stored in the program ROM 83 based on the effect identifier stored in the work area of the work RAM 85 and the value of the remaining effect game number counter. Select data (BET).

  For example, when the effect identifier is 0 and the remaining effect game number counter is 2, the image control CPU 82 selects the continuous effect 1-2 (BET) as effect data. By the process of step 503 and the processes of steps 404 to 407 described above, the effect display according to the continuous effect 1-2 (BET) is performed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  Next, a process to jump to (game start process) when the type of unprocessed command is a game start command in step 402 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a game start process in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in step 511, based on the game start command transmitted from the main control circuit 60 in step 125, the image control CPU 82 displays the game state identifier and winning combination identifier in a predetermined work area of the work RAM 85. To store. For example, when a game start command indicating that BB has been determined as a winning combination in the probability lottery process in the current game is received, the image control CPU 82 receives a winning combination identifier such that the winning combination is BB (see FIG. 10). ) Is set.

  In step 512, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the value of the remaining effect game number counter stored in the work area of the work RAM 85 is zero. If the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 0, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 513. If the remaining effect game number counter is not 0, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 515.

  In step 513, the image control CPU 82 refers to the effect determination table (FIG. 11) based on the winning combination identifier and the random number counter stored in the work area of the work RAM 85, and a plurality of games (this time) And the next game).

  In step 514, the image control CPU 82 refers to the effect table (FIG. 12) stored in the program ROM 83 based on the effect content determined in step 513, and sets the value of the effect identifier and the remaining effect game number counter.

  For example, when the winning combination identified by the winning combination identifier is BB and the value of the random number counter (the value of the random number for production) is 3, the image control CPU 82 refers to the production determination table and continuously produces the production. 1 is determined as production content. In this case, the image control CPU 82 sets the value of the remaining effect game number counter to 2 and sets the effect identifier to 0. Also, for example, when the winning combination identified by the winning combination identifier is a bell small role and the value of the random number counter (the value of the random number for rendering) is 3, the image control CPU 82 refers to the rendering determination table. Then, the normal content is determined as the production content. In this case, the image control CPU 82 sets the value of the remaining effect game number counter to 1 and sets 4 to the effect identifier.

  In step 515, the image control CPU 82 refers to the effect table (FIG. 12) stored in the program ROM 83 based on the effect identifier stored in the work area of the work RAM 85 and the value of the remaining effect game number counter. Select data (lever).

  For example, when the effect identifier is 0 to 4 and the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, the image control CPU 82 respectively includes the continuous effect 1-1 (lever) to the continuous effect 4-1 (lever). Is selected as production data. In this case, the process of step 515 and the process of steps 404 to 407 described above cause the liquid crystal display unit 5b of the liquid crystal display device 5 to display the continuous effect 1-1 (lever) to the continuous effect 4-1 (lever). An effect display according to either one is performed. When any of continuous effect 1-1 (lever) to continuous effect 4-1 (lever) is selected as effect data, the image control CPU 82 displays the left on the liquid crystal display unit 5b as shown in FIG. The display frame image 14L, the middle display frame image 14C, the right display frame image 14R, and the display frame images 14L to 14R are displayed with variable display images.

  In step 516, the image control CPU 82 sets 1 for each of the left reel rotation identifier, the middle reel rotation identifier, and the right reel rotation identifier. Further, the image control CPU 82 sets the value of the stop reel counter to 0. The stop reel counter is for counting the number of reels that are stopped. In step 516, since the three reels are rotating, the above-described setting is performed.

  Next, a process to jump to (reel stop process) when the type of unprocessed command is a variable display stop command or a reel stop command in step 402 will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing reel stop processing in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in step 521, the image control CPU 82 extracts information indicating the pseudo stop reel or information indicating the stop reel from the variable display stop command or the reel stop command sent from the main control circuit 60. Set the corresponding stop reel identifier. For example, when the information indicating the pseudo stop reel is information indicating the left reel, the image control CPU 82 sets 0 as the stop reel identifier. When the information indicating the stop reel is information indicating the left reel, the image control CPU 82 sets 0 as the stop reel identifier.

  In step 522, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the value of the remaining effect game number counter stored in the work area of the work RAM 85 is “1”. When the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to the process of step 523, and when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is not 1, the process proceeds to the process of step 528.

  In step 523, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the value of the image stop reel counter is 3. The image stop reel counter is for counting the number of stop display images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b. If the value of the image stop reel counter is 3, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 528. If the value of the image stop reel counter is not 3, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 524.

  In step 524, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the stop reel identifier is zero. If the stop reel identifier is 0, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 526. If the stop reel identifier is not 0, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 525.

  In step 525, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the stop reel identifier is 1. When the stop reel identifier is 1, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to the process of step 526, and when the stop reel identifier is not 1 (that is, when the stop reel identifier is 2, the process proceeds to step 526).

  In step 526, the image control CPU 82 adds 1 to the value of the image stop reel counter. When the stop reel identifier is 0, the image control CPU 82 sets information for specifying the display of the left stop display image, and when the stop reel identifier is 1, the image control CPU 82 displays the middle stop display image. Information to be specified is set, and when the stop reel identifier is 2, information to specify the display of the right stop display image is set.

  In step 527, the image control CPU 82 stores in the program ROM 83 based on the effect identifier (effect content) stored in the work area of the work RAM 88, the value of the remaining effect game number counter, and the value of the image stop reel counter. With reference to the produced effect table, one of effect data (1st) to effect data (3rd) is selected. A specific description of this process is as follows. When the value of the image stop reel counter is 1, the image control CPU 82 selects effect data (1st), and when the value of the image stop reel counter is 2, the effect data (2nd) is selected. When the value of the stop reel counter is 3, effect data (3rd) is selected.

  For example, the image control CPU 82 has an effect identifier of 0 (the content of the effect is a continuous effect 1) and a value of the remaining effect game number counter of 1 (for example, a game next to a game in which the winning combination of BB or RB is determined). If the value of the image stop reel counter is 1, the image control CPU 82 checks the value of the stop reel identifier. For example, consider a case where the stop reel identifier is 0. In this case, the image control CPU 82 sets the above-described effect data (variable display pattern 1) as the continuous effect 1-1 (1st). In this case, by the process of step 527 and the process of steps 404 to 407 described above, the liquid crystal display unit 5b displays the stop display image (in the left display frame image 14L, as shown in FIG. 23B). 7) is displayed, and in the remaining two display frame images 14C and 14R, a variable display image is displayed.

  For example, when the effect identifier is 0 (the effect content is continuous effect 1), the remaining effect game number counter is 1, and the value of the image stop reel counter is 2, the image control CPU 82 Among the information specifying the display of the left stop display image, the information specifying the display of the middle stop display image, and the information specifying the display of the right stop display image, the set information is confirmed. For example, consider a case where information specifying the display of the left stop display image and information specifying the display of the middle stop display image are set. In this case, the image control CPU 82 sets the above-described effect data (variable display pattern 4) as the continuous effect 1-1 (2nd). In this case, by the processing in step 527 and the processing in steps 404 to 407 described above, in the liquid crystal display unit 5b, as shown in FIG. A stop display image (image 7) is displayed in 14C, and a variable display image is displayed in the remaining display frame image 14R.

  For example, when the effect identifier is 0 (the effect content is continuous effect 1), the remaining effect game number counter is 1, and the value of the image stop reel counter is 3, the image control CPU 82 Continuous production 1-1 (3rd) is set. In this case, the process of step 527 and the processes of steps 404 to 407 described above cause the liquid crystal display unit 5b to display the stop display image (7) within the three display frame images as shown in FIG. Image) is displayed.

  By this processing, during the period corresponding to the period from step 111 to step 118, pseudo reel fluctuation display and stop display as shown in FIGS. 23 (a) to 24 (d) are performed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b. Will be done.

  In step 528, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the stop reel identifier is zero. If the stop reel identifier is 0, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 529. If the stop reel identifier is not 0, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 530. In step 529, the image control CPU 82 sets 0 to the left reel rotation identifier.

  In step 530, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the stop reel identifier is 1. If the stop reel identifier is 1, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to the process of step 531. If the stop reel identifier is not 1 (that is, if the stop reel identifier is 2, the process proceeds to step 532).

  In step 531, the image control CPU 82 sets 0 in the middle reel rotation identifier. In step 532, the image control CPU 82 sets 0 to the right reel rotation identifier.

  In step 533, the image control CPU 82 adds 1 to the value of the stop reel counter.

  In step 534, the image control CPU 82 is stored in the program ROM 83 based on the effect identifier (effect content) stored in the work area of the work RAM 88, the value of the remaining effect game number counter, and the value of the stop reel counter. The production data (1st) to production data (3rd) are selected with reference to the production table. A specific description of this process is as follows. When the value of the stop reel counter is 1, the image control CPU 82 selects the effect data (1st). When the value of the stop reel counter is 2, the image control CPU 82 selects the effect data (2nd), and the stop reel counter When the value of is 3, the effect data (3rd) is selected.

  For example, the image control CPU 82 has the effect identifier 0 (the effect content is the continuous effect 1), the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 2 (for example, a game in which the winning combination of BB or RB is determined), and is stopped. When the value of the reel counter is 1, the image control CPU 82 confirms the identifier set to 0 among the left reel rotation identifier, the middle reel rotation identifier, and the right reel identifier. For example, consider the case where the left reel rotation identifier is set to zero. In this case, the image control CPU 82 sets the above-described effect data (display frame pattern 1) as the continuous effect 1-2 (1st). The image control CPU 82 checks whether the stop reel identifier is 0, 1, or 2. For example, when the stop reel identifier is 0, the above-described effect data (display) is displayed as the continuous effect 1-2 (1st). Frame pattern 1) may be set. In this case, the left display frame image 14L is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b as shown in FIG. 22A by the process of step 534 and the processes of steps 404 to 407 described above.

  Further, for example, when the effect control identifier is 0 (the effect content is continuous effect 1), the remaining effect game number counter is 2, and the value of the stop reel counter is 2, the image control CPU 82 The identifier set to 0 among the left reel rotation identifier, middle reel rotation identifier, and right reel identifier is confirmed. For example, consider a case where the left reel rotation identifier and the middle reel rotation identifier are set to zero. In this case, the image control CPU 82 sets the above-described effect data (display frame pattern 4) as the continuous effect 1-2 (2nd). In this case, by the processing in step 534 and the processing in steps 404 to 407 described above, the liquid crystal display unit 5b has the left display frame image 14L and the middle display frame image as shown in FIG. 14L is displayed.

  Further, for example, when the effect identifier is 0 (the effect content is continuous effect 1), the remaining effect game number counter is 2, and the value of the stop reel counter is 3, the image control CPU 82 , Continuous production 1-2 (3rd) is set. In this case, by the processing in step 534 and the processing in steps 404 to 407 described above, the liquid crystal display unit 5b has the left display frame image 14L and the middle display frame image as shown in FIG. 14L and the right display frame image 14R are displayed.

  For example, when the effect identifier is 0 to 3 (the effect content is the continuous effect 1 to 4) and the remaining effect game number counter is 0, the image control CPU 82 uses a table similar to the effect table shown in FIG. Based on this, the production data (1st-3rd) is set. In this case, for example, an effect display in which the internal winning combination of BB or RB is determined is performed by the process of step 534 and the processes of steps 404 to 407 described above.

  When the effect identifier is 0 to 4 and the remaining effect game number counter is 2, when only the display frame image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b (when the variable display image is not displayed). The symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the display frame image are transparently displayed.

  In step 535, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the value of the stop reel counter is 3. If the value of the stop reel counter is 3, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 536. If the value of the stop reel counter is not 3, the image control CPU 82 ends the reel stop process.

  In step 536, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the value of the image stop reel counter is 3. If the value of the image stop reel counter is 3, the image control CPU 82 proceeds to step 537. If the value of the image stop reel counter is not 3, the image control CPU 82 ends the reel stop process.

  In step 537, the image control CPU 82 sets the value of the image stop reel counter to zero.

  Next, a process to jump to (winning process) when the type of unprocessed command is a winning command in step 402 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a winning process in the present embodiment.

  In step 631, the image control CPU 82 extracts data on the winning combination from the winning command sent from the main control circuit 60, and sets the winning combination identifier indicating the winning combination.

  In step 632, the image control CPU 82 refers to the effect table (FIG. 12) stored in the program ROM 83 based on the effect identifier stored in the work area of the work RAM 85 and the value of the remaining effect game number counter. Select data (winning). For example, when the effect identifier is 0 and the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, the image control CPU 82 selects the continuous effect 1-1 (winning) as effect data. By the process of step 632 and the processes of steps 404 to 407 described above, the effect display according to the continuous effect 1-1 (winning) is performed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  In step 633, the image control CPU 82 subtracts 1 from the value of the remaining effect game number counter stored in the work area of the work RAM 85.

  In step 634, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not the value of the remaining effect game number counter stored in the work area of the work RAM 85 is zero. The image control CPU 82 proceeds to the process of step 635 when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 0, and proceeds to the process of step 636 when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is not 0.

  In step 635, the image control CPU 82 sets the identifier 4 corresponding to the effect data (normal) to the effect identifier stored in the work area of the work RAM 85. In step 636, the image control CPU 82 sets 0 (out of game) to the in-game identifier stored in the work area of the work RAM 85.

  According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, the image control CPU 82 starts from the first game which is a game when the main CPU 31 determines a specific winning combination (for example, BB, RB). Until the second game, which is the next game (for example, in the first game, the player first presses the stop button while the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating, and then the reel 3L, Before the rotation of 3C and 3R), an image related to the determination of the specific winning combination is displayed (for example, in the first game, the display frame image is sequentially displayed every time the player operates the stop button. In the second game, if the player operates the start lever before the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate, a variable display image is displayed in the three display frame images. Each time the stop button is operated by the player, display is performed such that the variable display image is switched to the stop display image, and three stop display images (for example, 7) indicating that the specific winning combination is determined. The liquid crystal display device 5 is controlled so that -7-7) is displayed.

  For this reason, since it is possible to display an image relating to the determination of the specific winning combination over a plurality of games (the first game and the second game), it is possible to perform a variety of effect displays, and to fully Can entertain. In addition, the player can clearly know that the specific winning combination has been determined before the reel is rotated in the second game, and the player can play the reel in a stop mode corresponding to the specific winning combination in the second game. Since it can be recognized that the player can be stopped, the player's willingness to play can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, for example, when the specific winning combination is BB or RB, the main CPU 31 stops the symbol corresponding to BB or RB in the first game (for example, red 7-red 7- (Red 7, BAR-BAR-BAR) is controlled so as not to stop the change display of the symbols on the reel, and the image control CPU 82 starts the change of the change display in the second game after the start of the first game. During the previous period (for example, in the first game, the player first presses the stop button while the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating, and then in the second game, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate. During the previous period, the symbol stop mode of the reel corresponding to the winning combination BB or RB (for example, when all reels stop, red 7-red 7-red 7 along the active line) of (For example, in the first game and the second game, a display frame image and a variable display image are displayed, and a specific winning combination is determined) The liquid crystal display device 5 is controlled so that three stop display images (for example, 7-7-7) indicating that the main CPU 31 is displayed in the second game. In this stop mode, control is performed so as to stop the symbol variable display on each reel.

  For this reason, the player expects to be able to prepare a combination of symbols corresponding to BB or RB in the current game (second game) when the reel fluctuation display is stopped before the reel is rotated in the second game. Since this is possible, it is possible to further improve the game motivation. In the second game, the player is likely to have a combination of symbols corresponding to BB or RB at the time of stopping the variable display of the reels. Therefore, the player's willingness to play in the game after the second game Can also be increased.

  Here, the image control CPU 82 can perform the following display control after the start of the first game and before the start of the change display of the change display in the second game. That is, the image control CPU 82 causes the liquid crystal display unit 5b to sequentially display a display frame image indicating a predetermined frame in response to the operation of the stop button while the reel variation display is being performed in the first game. In the second game, on the basis of the operation of the start lever 6, a variation display image showing the variation display of the symbol of the reel is displayed in all the display frame images, and instead of the variation display image according to the operation of the stop button. In addition, stop display images indicating the stop of the symbols on the reel are sequentially displayed. When all stop display images are displayed, the combination of all the stop display images indicates that the winning combination of BB or RB is determined.

  For this reason, in the first game to the second game, it is possible to inform the player that the winning combination of BB or RB has been determined by various effects, so that the player can be more fully entertained. Further, before the reel is rotated, the above-described display frame image, variable display image, and stop display image are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b, and all stop display image combinations (for example, 7-7-7 symbol combinations) are displayed. ) Indicates that the winning combination of BB or RB has been determined. Therefore, the player must select a combination of symbols corresponding to BB or RB in the second game before the reel of the second game is rotated. It can be expected that they will be prepared, and the willingness to play can be further improved.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 5 for displaying effect images and the like is disposed on the front side of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when viewed from the front side, and the symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed. Since it has symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R that can display the display transparently, the player has a viewpoint for viewing the display of the symbols on the reel and a viewpoint for viewing the display of the effect image on the liquid crystal display device 5. There is no need to change. As a result, a situation in which the player cannot concentrate on the game for displaying the effect image is avoided.

  In the present embodiment, the main CPU 31 disables a game operation relating to a game for a predetermined period in the second game described above. For example, in the second game, before the reel rotates, the main CPU 31 invalidates a game operation such as an operation for rotating the reel until the lock management timer value becomes zero. Specifically, even if the player operates the start lever 6 or the like, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R do not rotate until the lock management timer value becomes zero. Until the lock management timer value reaches zero, even if the player operates the start lever 6 several times to rotate the reel, the main CPU 31 issues a game start command from the start switch 6S. Disable the signal and do not rotate the reel.

  For this reason, the player notices that an unusual situation has occurred in the second game, and has an expectation that something advantageous to him may occur, and the player's willingness to play May be able to increase. In addition, the player may feel that he / she does not know what will happen in the second game, and may be able to match the thrill with the player.

  In the second game, the main CPU 31 determines the progress of the game related to the variable display of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R for a predetermined period (for example, the stage before step 160 or the stage before step 170). You may make it perform the control stopped in a step.

  Further, when the specific winning combination is BB or RB, in the first game, the main CPU 31 performs control so as not to stop the variable display in the pattern stop mode corresponding to BB or RB, and In two games, after the predetermined period has elapsed, control is performed so that the variable display is stopped in a pattern stop mode corresponding to BB or RB.

  For this reason, the player notices that an unusual situation has occurred in the second game, and has an expectation that something advantageous to him may occur, and the player's willingness to play In the second game, the player can make a combination of symbols corresponding to BB or RB when the change display of the reels is stopped at a high probability, so that the player in the game after the second game Can increase game motivation.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment may execute the functions of the present embodiment based on a specific operation (for example, operation of a predetermined button) by the player. In this case, it may be possible to give a sense of superiority to a player who plays a game using the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment.

  The embodiment described above may be modified as follows.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the process of step 112 and the process of step 110-10 may be omitted.

  Further, the processing from step 111 to step 118 (hereinafter referred to as main-side locking processing) is performed before the reel rotates, but may be performed after the reel rotates. In this case, an operation for rotating the reel is not accepted while the lock process on the main side is being performed. Specifically, the processing from step 111 to step 118 may be performed between step 160 and step 170.

  Further, the lock process on the main side is not limited to the case where it is performed after the operation of the start lever 6 as in the above-described embodiment, and may be performed after the operation of the BET switch 50, for example. In this case, in the probability lottery process, the processes after step 110-9 are not performed. Then, after step 70, if the value of the carryover counter is 1, the lock flag is turned on and the lock management timer value is set. Thereafter, lock processing on the main side may be performed. In this case, while the lock process on the main side is being performed, the main CPU 31 invalidates the game operation by the player (that is, invalidates signals from the BET switch 50 and the start switch 6S, for example). .

  Further, the lock processing on the main side may be performed for a predetermined time before the medal insertion (for example, the time from the end of the medal payout in the previous game until the medal is inserted in the current game). In this case, in the probability lottery process, the processes after step 110-9 are not performed. For example, if the value of the carryover counter is 1 at any time between step 20 and step 50, the lock flag is turned on and the lock management timer value is set. Thereafter, lock processing on the main side may be performed. In this case, while the lock process on the main side is being performed, the main CPU 31 invalidates the game operation by the player (that is, invalidates signals from the BET switch 50 and the start switch 6S, for example). .

(2) In the above-described embodiment, when the value of the carryover counter is 2 in steps 110-9 and 110-11, the lock flag is turned on, but the value of the carryover counter is 3 In the case of the above predetermined value, the lock flag may be turned on. In this case, the second game described above is a game when the value of the carryover counter is a predetermined value.

  In this case, in each game after the game in which BB or RB is determined as the winning combination (excluding the second game), a display frame image is displayed according to the operation of the stop button, and the value of the carryover number counter is a predetermined value. In this game (second game), three variable display images are displayed, and the stop display images are sequentially displayed according to the operation of the stop button. However, in the effect table, for example, the value of the remaining effect game number counter corresponding to the continuous effects 1 to 4 is the predetermined value. In addition, when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 2 to a predetermined value, for example, the same effect data as the effect data (BET to winning) when the remaining effect game number counter described in the embodiment is 2 is associated. ing.

  According to this modified example, it is possible to display an image related to the determination of the specific winning combination over a plurality of three or more games.

(3) Moreover, the effect determination table shown in the embodiment may be changed as follows. In the effect determination table of this modified example, as the winning combination, a predetermined small combination such as a cherry small combination or a watermelon small combination, a random number for production (0 to 60), and the content of the production (for example, continuous Production 5), a predetermined small role, production random numbers (61-127), and production contents (for example, continuous production 6) are associated with each other.

  In the effect table, the effect contents (continuous effects 5 and 6) and each information (remaining effect game number counter, effect data (BET to winning)) are associated with each other. Here, the production data (BET to 2nd) are configured in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, for example. Then, according to the effect data (3rd) when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1, a stop display image (for example, FIG. 24 (d) indicating that the winning combination of BB or RB has not been determined in the display performed. ), A combination of symbols such as 7-7-2 is displayed.

  In this modified example, for example, when a small role such as a watermelon small role is determined as a winning combination, in the first game that is a game in which the small role is determined, in each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, When the variable display is not stopped in the pattern stop mode corresponding to the small role, the image control CPU 82 starts the second game (for example, the next game of the first game after the first game starts). ), The image related to the possibility that the symbol stop mode may be the symbol stop mode corresponding to BB or RB is displayed (for example, the first game and In the second game, after three variable display images are displayed, one stop display image related to the winning combination of BB or RB is displayed, and thereafter, one stop display image related to the winning combination of BB or RB is displayed. Displayed. The three stop display image indicating that the BB or RB is not determined (e.g., 7-7-6) is to) As the display, to control the liquid crystal display device 5.

  In this case, even if BB or RB is not determined as the winning combination, an image in which BB or RB may be determined is displayed before the reel of the second game is rotated. In the second game, the player can expect that a combination of symbols corresponding to BB or RB may be prepared when the variable display of the reels is stopped, and a decrease in gaming motivation can be avoided.

  Here, the image control CPU 82 can perform the following display control after the start of the first game and before the start of the change display of the change display in the second game. That is, the image control CPU 82 causes the display frame images to be sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b according to the operation of the stop button while the reel variation display is performed in the first game, and in the second game, Based on the operation of the start lever 6, the variable display image is displayed in all the display frame images, and in accordance with the operation of the stop button before the operation of the stop button to be performed lastly, instead of the variable display image, BB Alternatively, stop display images related to the winning combination of RB are sequentially displayed. When all stop display images are displayed, the combination of all the stop display images indicates that the winning combination of BB or RB has not been determined.

  Therefore, in the first game to the second game, even if the winning combination of BB or RB is not determined, the player may determine that the winning combination of BB or RB may be determined by various effects. , The player can be fully entertained and the player's willingness to play can be improved.

  Also, according to this modification, when a small role such as a watermelon small role is determined as a winning combination, in the first game, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have the symbol corresponding to the small role. When the variable display is not stopped in the stop mode, the main CPU 31 may invalidate the signal indicating the game operation for a predetermined period (for example, between step 111 and step 118 in the embodiment). . In this case, even if BB or RB is not determined as the winning role, the player will notice that something unusual has occurred in the second game, and something advantageous to him There is a case where it is possible to avoid a situation in which a player's expectation that this may occur and a player's willingness to play are reduced.

  In the present modification example, an image (for example, FIG. 24 (FIG. 24)) shows that predetermined small roles are not aligned in the display performed according to the effect data (3rd) when the value of the remaining effect game number counter is 1. In d), a combination of stop display images such as 1-2-3 may be displayed. That is, in the first game, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop changing display in a pattern stop mode (for example, a watermelon watermelon watermelon) corresponding to a predetermined small role (for example, a watermelon small role). If not, in the second game, the main CPU 31 performs a lock process on the main side, and the image control CPU 82 is a symbol stop mode corresponding to a predetermined small combination determined as a winning combination. An image related to the absence may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5.

(4) Moreover, the display of the effect image performed according to the continuous effect 1 to the continuous effect 4 is not limited to the case of the above-mentioned embodiment, Other display may be sufficient in the range which can achieve the objective of this invention. . Further, the position where the effect display is performed may be an arbitrary position on the liquid crystal display unit 5b. For example, a character or the like or a battle scene such as a character may be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5b.

  The display frame image is displayed so as to cover the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R. However, the display frame image is not limited to this. For example, the display frame image is not displayed and the symbol display areas 21L, 21C are displayed. , 21R may display the symbol variation display image and the stop display image.

  In addition, the carry-over state of BB or RB is set for a predetermined number of games including a game in which BB or RB is determined as a winning combination, and a display frame image is not displayed during the predetermined number of games. You may do it. Then, the display frame image may be displayed in the next game after the predetermined number of games are ended, and the variable display image and the stop display image may be displayed in the game next to the game in which the display frame image is displayed.

  22 to 24, in the case of FIG. 22, the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are transparently displayed. In the cases of FIGS. 23 to 24, the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are transparently displayed. It may not be done. When the symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are not transparently displayed, the image control CPU 82 sends a signal that instructs the image control IC 87 not to perform transparent display in the symbol display area of the liquid crystal display unit 5b. The image control IC 87 controls the voltage applied to the liquid crystal display unit 5b so that transmissive display is not performed in the symbol display area of the liquid crystal display unit 5b.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 of the present invention wins a variable display means (for example, each reel 3L, 3C, 3R) that displays the identification information necessary for the game (for example, the symbol shown in FIG. 2) and a predetermined combination. A winning combination determining means (for example, a probability lottery process in step 110) determined as a combination, a predetermined operation (stop button pressing operation) by the player, and a winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means Based on the stop control means (for example, main CPU 31, step 120, step 122, step 210) that controls to stop the fluctuation display of the identification information, and the stop control means stopped in the fluctuation display means. When the stop mode of the identification information is a predetermined stop mode, a game value giving means for giving a predetermined game value to the player (for example, main C U31, a hopper 52, a payout process in step 300, etc.), and image display means for displaying game information relating to the game as an image (for example, an effect image displayed in accordance with the progress of the game). A first game that is a game in which the liquid crystal display device 5) and the winning combination determination means determine a specific winning combination (for example, BB or RB described above is determined as an internal winning combination) ) To the second game (for example, the next game after the first game) which is a predetermined game to be performed after the first game (for example, in the first game, the player first The specific winning combination is determined after the stop button is pressed and before the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate in the second game) A related image is displayed (for example, in the first game, each time the stop button is operated by the player, a display frame image is displayed. In the second game, before the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate, the player When the start lever is operated, a variation display image showing the variation display of the reel symbols is displayed in the three display frame images, and the variation display image is switched to the stop display image every time the stop button is operated by the player. Display control means for controlling the image display means such that three stop display images (for example, 7-7-7) indicating that a specific winning combination is determined are displayed) (For example, the image control CPU 82, steps 404 to 407, step 515, step 528).

  In the above invention, the specific winning combination is a first specific combination (for example, BB, RB). In the first game, the stop control means corresponds to the first specific combination. The display control means controls the display of the change of the identification information so as not to be stopped in a stop mode of the identification information (for example, a combination of red 7-red 7-red 7), and the display control means starts the first game. In the second game, before the fluctuation display starts to fluctuate (for example, in the first game, the player first presses the stop button while the reel is rotating, In the game, before the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate, an image related to the stop mode of the identification information corresponding to the first specific combination is displayed (for example, before the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate) (for example, , The first game and the second game The display frame image and the variable display image are displayed, and three stop display images (for example, 7-7-7) indicating that a specific winning combination is determined are displayed). Controlling the display means, and in the second game, the stop control means controls to stop the variation display of the identification information in a stop mode of the identification information corresponding to the first specific combination. May be.

  In the above invention, the specific winning combination is a second specific combination (for example, a watermelon small combination) different from the first specific combination (for example, BB or RB), and the first game In the case where the fluctuation display means does not stop the fluctuation display of the identification information in the stop mode of the identification information corresponding to the second specific combination (for example, the combination of the symbols of the watermelon watermelon watermelon), In the display control means, the stop mode of the identification information corresponds to the first specific role after the start of the first game and before the change of the change display in the second game starts. An image related to the possibility that the identification information may be stopped is displayed (for example, in the first game and the second game, a display frame image and a variable display image are displayed, and a specific winning combination is determined. 3 to indicate that there was no Stop displayed image (e.g., 7-7-6) to appear) as may be configured to control the image display means.

  In the above invention, the image display means is disposed on the front side of the fluctuation display means when viewed from the front side, and is capable of transparently displaying the identification information on the fluctuation display means (for example, a pattern). It is preferable to have display areas 21L, 21C, 21R).

  Further, the gaming machine 1 of the present invention includes a variation display means for variably displaying identification information necessary for a game, a winning combination determining means for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination, a predetermined operation by the player, Based on the winning combination determined by the combination determining unit, a stop control unit that performs control to stop the variation display of the identification information, and the stop of the identification information stopped by the variation display unit by the stop control unit When the mode is a predetermined stop mode, the gaming machine has a game value giving means for giving a player a predetermined game value, and the winning combination determining means is a specific winning combination (for example, BB or RB) ) In the second game (for example, the second game to be played after the first game) that is a predetermined game that is played after the first game (for example, the first game) that is the game when the Game operation invalidating means (for example, main CPU 31, step 111, step 116, step 117, step 118, that is, after the lock flag is turned on) It is characterized by having a game operation related to the game (for example, a process of invalidating a signal indicating an operation of the start lever 6 for trying to rotate the reel) until the lock flag is turned off. To do.

  In the above invention, the specific winning combination is a first specific combination (for example, BB, RB). In the first game, the stop control means corresponds to the first specific combination. In the second game, after the lapse of the predetermined time period (for example, in step 118, the lock flag is turned off). From the above, it may be controlled to stop the variation display of the identification information in a stop mode of the identification information corresponding to the first specific combination.

  In the above invention, the specific winning combination is a second specific combination (for example, a watermelon small combination). In the first game, the variation display means is configured to display the second specific combination. The game operation invalidating means invalidates the game operation for a predetermined period when the identification information change mode is not stopped in the stop mode of the identification information corresponding to (for example, a combination of the watermelon / watermelon / watermelon symbols). You may make it.

  In addition, for example, one or more of the following may be applied as the predetermined combination. An RB that wins a predetermined number of prize media, and an RB that wins the probability that the winning combination determination means determines the winning combination as a winning combination is high between multiple games, and the winning combination determination means wins RB Examples of the predetermined combination include a BB in which a probability determined as a combination is high only during a plurality of games.

  In addition, for example, one of the following may be applied to one game (one game). Start from the operation of the start lever 6 until the game result is displayed on the winning display means (predetermined display means) until the game result is displayed after the game start command signal is output from the game start means The player has operated the BET switch until a specific display (for example, specific character information, a specific character, a specific image) is displayed on a predetermined display means after the lever 6 is operated; Alternatively, when the gaming machine 1 is configured to output a game start command signal because a game medal has been inserted by the player, etc., the BET switch is operated or a prize is awarded after the game medal is inserted. Until the game result is displayed on the display means, the BET switch is operated by the player, or a game medal is inserted by the player, etc. When the machine 1 is configured to output a game start command signal, the game is performed until a specific display is displayed on a predetermined display means after the BET switch is operated or a game medal is inserted. The game start command signal is output until the game result is displayed on the winning display means (predetermined display means) after the symbol starting means for outputting the start command signal detects winning or passing of the game medium (for example, a game ball). Once the symbol starting means detects the winning or passing of the game medium until a specific display (for example, specific character information, specific character, specific image) is displayed on the predetermined display means, etc. It may be applied as a game. The multiple games may be applied as a continuous or intermittent multiple-time game.

  Further, the game result may be anything as long as a specific winning mode is displayed. The game start command means may be a start lever, a switch such as a spin button, or a game medium input.

  The variable display means are CRT, LCD, plasma display, 7-segment, dot matrix, lamp, LED, fluorescent lamp, EL, electronic paper, flexible LED, flexible liquid crystal, liquid crystal projector, reel, disk, movable object, etc. There may be a plurality of combinations thereof.

  Further, the winning combination may be a combination in which a winning mode corresponding to the winning combination is displayed. Further, the game value may be payout of award media (coins, medals, game balls), predetermined writing to a game result storage medium (such as a magnetic card), replay, score addition, occurrence of an advantageous state, etc. . The game medium (prize medium) may be a coin, a medal, a game ball, money, a bill, a magnetic card, or the like.

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

  As described above, an example of the embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is merely illustrated as a specific example, and the present invention is not particularly limited, and the specific configuration and the like of each unit can be appropriately changed. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to the ones.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the game machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol drawn on each reel in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display surface of the panel display part in this embodiment, and a liquid crystal display part. It is the figure which looked at the panel display part and liquid crystal display part in this embodiment from the back. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit of the game machine in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the sub control circuit of the game machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the combination of a combination, a payout, and a symbol in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the probability lottery table in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the winning combination selection table for a stop in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list of the work areas of the work RAM85 in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the table for presentation determination in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the production | presentation table in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the main control circuit of the game machine in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the main control circuit of the game machine in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the probability lottery process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the image control circuit in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the command input process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the game medal insertion process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the game start process in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the reel stop process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the winning process in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display part 5b in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display part 5b in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display part 5b in this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2a ... Cabinet, 2b ... Front door, 3L-3R ... Reel, 4 ... Base part, 5 ... Liquid crystal display device, 5a ... Panel display part, 5b Liquid crystal display, 6 ... Start lever, 6S ... Start switch, 7L-7R ... Stop button, 9a-9c ... BET lamp, 14 ... C / P button, 14S ... C / P switch, 14L to 14R ... display frame image, 15 ... medal payout exit, 16 ... medal receiving part, 17 ... game information display part, 18 ... payout display part, 19. ..Credit display section, 20 ... bonus count display section, 21L-21R ... design display area, 22 ... medal slot, 22S ... medal sensor, 23 ... payout table panel, 30 ... Microcomputer, 31 ... Me CPU ... 32 ... Program ROM, 33 ... Control RAM, 34 ... Clock pulse generator, 35 ... Frequency divider, 36 ... Random number generator, 37 ... Sampling circuit, 38 ... I / O port, 41 ... motor drive circuit, 42 ... reel position detection circuit, 43 ... reel stop signal circuit, 49L to 49R ... stepping motor, 50 ... BET switch, 51 ... Hopper drive circuit, 52 ... Hopper, 52S ... medal detector, 52L, 52R ... Speaker, 53 ... Dispensing completion signal generation circuit, 54 ... Sub control circuit communication port, 60 ... Main control circuit, 80 ... Image control circuit, 81 ... Serial port, 82 ... Image control CPU, 83 ... Program ROM, 84 ... Image ROM, 85 ... Wa CRAM, 86 ... Calendar IC, 87 ... Image control IC, 88 ... Control RAM, 89 ... Video RAM, 90 ... Sound / Lamp control circuit, 91 ... Serial port, 92 ... Sound / lamp control CPU, 93 ... Sound source IC, 94 ... Power amplifier, 95 ... Work RAM, 96 ... Program ROM, 97 ... Sound source ROM, 100 ... LEDs 101 ... Lamps, 102 ... Speakers, 103 ... Volume control circuit, 132 ... Protection glass, 133 ... Display plate, 134 ... Liquid crystal panel, 135 ... Light guide plate 136 ... reflective film, 136A ... reflective area, 136BL, 136BC, 136BR ... non-reflective area, 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b ... fluorescent lamps, 139a-139 h: Lamp holder.

Claims (1)

A game medium input detection means for detecting an input of a game medium necessary for a game and outputting a game medium input signal, a variable display means for variably displaying identification information required for the game, and a predetermined combination as a winning combination Based on the winning combination determining means, a predetermined operation by the player, and the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means, stop control means for performing control to stop the variable display of the identification information, and the stop control And a game value giving means for giving a player a predetermined game value when the stop mode of the identification information stopped by the variation display means is a predetermined stop mode,
In the first game which is a game when the winning combination determining means determines a specific winning combination, the variation display means displays the variation of the identification information in a stop mode of the identification information corresponding to the specific winning combination. In the second game, which is a predetermined game performed after the first game, the game operation invalidating means for invalidating the game operation related to the game for a predetermined period,
The game operation invalidating means outputs the game medium input signal by the game medium input detecting means in the second game after the game value providing means gives a predetermined game value in the first game. A gaming machine that performs an invalid operation within a predetermined period of time.

Images