JP2005334533A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for raising a customer attracting effect by using a waiting picture in a picture display device. <P>SOLUTION: A slot machine is provided with: a win role determining means for determining a win role whenever a start lever is operated; a prize-winning display control means for stopping and displaying rotary reels in accordance with an operation by a player so as to obtain a prescribed prize-winning state based on the win role; and the picture display device for displaying prescribed presentation display related to a game state. The picture display device performs presentation display related to the game, demonstration displaying for attracting customers, and general demonstration displaying, and also the picture display device displays a customer attracting demonstration picture by lottery when the prescribed win role is carried over in a non-game state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having an image display device, such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine characterized by displaying a standby image executed by the image display device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as the above-described gaming machine, one that incorporates visually recognized image display means (an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device) is known in order to enhance the effect. In the image display device, while playing a game, for example, according to the winning result of the internal lottery process, various characters are displayed and various effects (effects) in order to increase the player's expectation and excitement. Image display). On the other hand, in such a gaming machine, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to prevent the player from getting bored during the game, in the image display device, a secondary game that is not related to the game ( A roulette game, a battle game, and the like are known.

In addition, recent gaming machines, like the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, perform an internal lottery process at the start of the game, and the winning combination is determined according to the winning state (stop button The game medium is paid out to the player when the predetermined symbols are obtained by operation. By the way, in the above-described internal lottery process, even if a game that gives a relatively large profit to the player (in the slot machine, for example, a bonus game) is won internally, the player's operational problem (stop button In some cases, the game state advantageous to the player can be carried over to the subsequent game. There is what I did. Note that such carry-over control is performed in the internal lottery process so that even if a game that gives a relatively large profit to a player is won internally, a predetermined symbol is not intentionally aligned. Sometimes carry over after the game.
JP 2003-310845 A

  As described above, in a gaming machine that can perform a secondary game using an image display device, it can be expected that the game player will not get bored, but the gaming effect of the gaming machine itself cannot be expected so much. (The “customer effect” here refers to the effect of gathering the players who have visited the amusement hall in front of the gaming machine. The higher the customer effect, the more seated the player is to play the game. The number of people increases, so-called utilization rate is expected to increase). In other words, the above-mentioned known gaming machine provides a secondary game to a player who has been playing a game for a long time on the gaming machine, so that a player who has visited the game hall (walks around the store) It is considered that there are not many cases where a player) walks in front of the gaming machine and looks at the gaming machine in order to check the gaming machine.

  In general, a gaming machine having an image display device displays a standby image when the gaming machine has not been played for a predetermined time (non-gaming state). Normally, the standby image simply displays the characteristics of the gaming machine (model name, manufacturer name, character display, etc.) or displays an image prompting the operation, and passes in front of the gaming machine. It is scarce in terms of attracting or attracting attention to the player who plays the game, and sufficient consideration is not given to the way of rendering in the standby image.

  On the other hand, as described above, in a gaming machine configured to carry over a gaming state advantageous to the player, the player is separated from the gaming machine although the internal winning state of the corner bonus game is maintained. (For example, the game medium is lost, the game must be stopped due to time restrictions, or the player is left without noticing the internal winning of the bonus game). In such a case, it becomes possible for the player seated in the gaming machine to start the game from an advantageous state by chance.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that makes it possible to improve the customer-receiving effect by using a standby image in an image display device.

  If the present inventors are configured so that the internal winning state that is relatively advantageous to the player can be notified by using the above-described standby image, the player who has visited the game hall can be The present invention was conceived because it was thought that it could be attracted in front of a gaming machine (being able to be collected for viewing a standby image).

  That is, the gaming machine according to the present invention, as claimed in claim 1, is an image capable of displaying a variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information necessary for a game and a predetermined effect display related to the gaming state. In the configuration having the display means, a game start means for starting a unit game based on a game start command signal from the game start command means, and a winning combination for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination based on the game start command signal Determining means; stop command means for outputting a stop command signal in response to an operation by a player; and a predetermined winning mode based on the winning combination in accordance with the stop command signal from the stop command means. A winning display control means for enabling stop display on the means, a game value giving means for giving a game value to a player when the winning display control means stops displaying a predetermined winning mode, and An image display control means for controlling display so that a normal presentation display and a demonstration display are performed on the image display means, and a demonstration display when a specific winning combination is carried over without winning a prize among the winning combinations Image data selection means for enabling image data for demonstration display for customer reception to be selected from a plurality of image data.

  According to the gaming machine having the above-described configuration, the standby image is displayed on the image display means when the non-game state is entered. In this case, when the waiting state image is displayed when the gaming state (a specific winning combination) advantageous to the player is in an internal winning state and the state where the winning state is not carried out by the variable display means is carried over. In addition, an image for demonstration display for customers (a special demonstration display for notifying the carry-over state) may be selected by the above-described image data selection means. Then, in this selection process, when an image for displaying the demonstration for the customer is selected, the image display means establishes a gaming state advantageous to the player as a winning combination while the standby image is displayed. In order to notify this, the player who entered the game hall should go to the game machine to check the game machine in order to check whether or not the specific winning combination is carried over. become. That is, since the effect of attracting customers is improved, it is possible to improve the operating rate accordingly.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image data selection means switches between a selectable state enabling selection of image data for the demonstration display for customer visit and a non-selected state every predetermined time. It is characterized by that.

  In such a configuration, the demonstration display for customer reception is displayed only when it is selected in a selectable state that is repeated at a predetermined time, and its appearance frequency is in an irregular state. For this reason, the frequency with which a player visits the gaming machine is increased, and the effect of attracting customers can be further enhanced.

  According to the present invention, in a gaming machine that does not have a player, a player who has visited the game hall in order to be able to notify that a specific winning combination is being carried over while the standby image is being displayed. Alternatively, a player who walks around in the store can check the standby image by walking in front of the gaming machine, and can improve the customer-coming effect of the gaming machine.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a slot machine 1 as a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a card in which information of game value given or given to a player is recorded in addition to coins, medals, game balls, tokens, and the like. However, in the following description, medals are used.

  As shown in the figure, a panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 2 forming the entire slot machine 1, and vertically long rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed at the center thereof. Is provided. The display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as winning lines, and a cross up line 8a and a cross down line 8e in an oblique direction. . These winning lines are operated by operating a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, respectively. Five are activated. Further, which winning line is activated is displayed by lighting of BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c described later.

  Here, the winning lines 8a to 8e relate to success / failure of the winning combination. Specifically, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means, which will be described later, is stopped and displayed side by side on the activated line, so that a predetermined combination is won.

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

  On the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, and an information display unit 18 are provided. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”). Here, in this embodiment, one game ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the BET number is “1” and one winning line is activated. The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the BET number is “2” and three pay lines are activated. The maximum BET runf 9c lights up when the number of BETs is “3” and all (5) winning lines are activated. The information display unit 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of stored medals, the number of medals paid out at the time of winning, the number of games in the BB general gaming state described later, and the like.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and a liquid crystal display device 5 constituting image display means is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. It has been. On the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5, an information image displayed for prompting the player to play a game, an effect image related to the game (normal effect display), and a non-game state as will be described later. A customer demonstration image, a general demonstration image (demonstration display), and the like are displayed. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, and a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5. By pressing the 1-BET switch 11 once, one of the credited medals is bet on the game, and by pressing the 2-BET switch 12 once, the credited medal Two of them are bet on the game, and the maximum number of medals that can be bet on one game are bet by pressing the maximum BET switch 13 once. By operating these BET switches, a predetermined winning line is activated as described above.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid-out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 16. On the right side of the C / P switch 14, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated by the player's operation, and a start lever (game start) for starting the display of symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is started. Means) 6 is attached to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range. Three stop buttons (stop command means) 7L, 7C for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5, respectively. 7R is provided. Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving unit 16.

  In the present embodiment, one game is basically started by operating the start lever 6 and is ended when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. A stop command signal is output by stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  FIG. 2 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored (stored) as a data table in a ROM 32 (see FIG. 3) described later. In this case, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R described above are driven to rotate so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  Note that the gaming state in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a “general gaming state” and a “bonus game state (here, also referred to as a regular bonus; RB) that is a relatively advantageous gaming state for the player. ) ”, And the type of winning combination in each gaming state, the probability thereof, and the stop control mode of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in each gaming state (such as the types of winning combinations that may be won) It is determined according to a probability lottery table, a stop control table (not shown) or the like stored in the ROM. Further, the transition between the game states is performed by a game state monitoring process (see FIG. 10) described later. Furthermore, in the stop control table of the present embodiment, in each game state, there is a case where the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed so that the bonus winning is not realized in the game where the bonus is won internally. That is, in such a case where the reel stop control is performed, the bonus is held as an internal winning combination after the bonus is won internally until the bonus is won (referred to as “carryover”). . In this case, in the state where the bonus is carried over, it may be possible to further win the bonus internally, and if the bonus is won multiple times without winning, it is possible to realize the bonus winning for that number of times ( Bonus stock).

  Next, control means for controlling the above slot machine will be described. In the present embodiment, control means for controlling the progress of the entire game is provided exclusively on a board (main control board) for controlling the game processing operation, and control means for controlling other processes (lamp lamps). The drive control, the image display control on the liquid crystal display device, the sound control from the speaker, etc., the effect control means for performing each effect, etc.) are divided from the main control board and executed by receiving various commands from the main control board Provided on the sub-control board.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the main control board. The main control board is a main control circuit 71 that controls game processing operations in the slot machine 1 and peripherals that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71. Device (actuator). The main control board includes a sub-control circuit 72 that controls the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 based on a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. It is connected to the board (the specific configuration of the sub control circuit 72 in the sub control board is shown in FIG. 4).

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

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

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 determines the reel stop mode according to the above-described probability lottery table and stop button operation used for determination of random number sampling performed each time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation). Stop table group, various control tables to be described later, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the like. That is, the ROM 32 has a function as a winning display control means for operating the start lever 6 to stop and display the stop mode (winning mode) on the variable display means based on the determined winning combination.

  Note that the sub-control circuit 72 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub-control circuit 72. In addition to the above, the RAM 33 of the microcomputer 30 stores various types of information such as flags and gaming state information.

  In the block diagram of FIG. 3, BET lamps (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c) and information display are the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30. Unit 18, a hopper (including a drive unit for payout) 40 as a payout means for storing medals and paying out a predetermined number of medals in accordance with a command from hopper drive circuit 41, and reels 3L, 3C, 3R are driven to rotate There are stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R and the like.

  Furthermore, a motor drive circuit 39 that drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 that drives and controls the hopper 40, a lamp drive circuit 45 that drives and controls various lamps, and a display unit drive that controls and drives various display units. A circuit 48 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 31. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  And if it becomes a stop mode which shows winning of the winning combination, CPU31 will supply a payout command signal to hopper drive circuit 41, and will pay out a predetermined number of medals from hopper40. At that time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 31. As a result, the CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41 and ends the “medal payout process”. In other words, the CPU 31 and the hopper driving circuit 41 described above have a function as game value providing means for adding a game value to the player.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the sub control circuit 72 in the sub control board to which various signals are transmitted from the main control board.

  The sub control circuit 72 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 72a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The image control circuit (gSub) 72a or the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is configured on a circuit board (sub control board) different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71.

  Communication between the main control circuit 71 and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is the main control circuit. No command or information is input to 71. Communication between the image control circuit (gSub) 72a and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed in one direction from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b does not input commands or information to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The image control circuit (gSub) 72a includes an image control microcomputer 81, a serial port 82, a program ROM 83, a work RAM 84, a calendar IC 85, an image control IC (also referred to as VDP) 86, a control RAM 87, an image ROM 88, and a video RAM 89. The

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes an image control CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 performs various processes according to the control program stored in the program ROM 83 based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The image control circuit (gSub) 72a does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the image control microcomputer 81. ing.

  The serial port 82 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 and outputs a command generated by the image control microcomputer 81 to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b.

  The program ROM 83 stores an image control program for image control executed by the image control microcomputer 81, various determination tables, and the like. In this case, the stored determination table includes an image selection table as shown in FIG. This image selection table has a function as image data selection means for selecting an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 based on a counter value sampled on the image control microcomputer 81 in accordance with the gaming state.

  Here, in the state where the in-demonstration flag to be described later is on, one of image data for various demonstrations (image data for demonstration display) is selected according to the gaming state and the set value set by the random number counter. (The random number counter can take a value in the range of 0-4).

  For example, if the gaming state is the RB state, the RB mid-use demo image data (for example, the demo image data for the effect image for notifying that the RB is in progress) is selected regardless of the set value. If the gaming state is the carryover state, the demo image data for RB advance notice (the demo image data for so-called demo display for the visitor that notifies the carryover state) or the demo image for general use according to the set value of the random number counter. One of the data (demonstration image data for a demo display for displaying a gaming machine character or a company name) is selected. Here, the former selection probability is set to 1/5, and the latter is set to 4/5. If the gaming state is a general gaming state, the general demo image data is selected regardless of the set value of the random number counter.

  In addition, in a state in which the in-demonstration flag described later is off, if the gaming state is the RB state, the image data before RB gaming start (for example, that the RB is in progress is notified regardless of the set value of the random number counter). Image data for a simple effect image) is selected. Further, if the game state is the RB carryover state and the general game state, the image data before the start of general game (for example, an explanation of the operation procedure for prompting the player to perform the operation is displayed regardless of the set value of the random number counter, etc. , Image data for an image different from the display for demonstration) is selected.

  That is, when the demonstration flag is set to OFF, the liquid crystal display device performs so-called normal effect display instead of demonstration display.

  The above-described image ROM 88 stores image data for generating an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5, dot data, and the like, and a predetermined address in the storage area relates to an effect displayed during the game. Image data (image data during game) and image data (image data before game start) unrelated to the effect are stored, and demo image data (standby image displayed during non-game) is displayed at another address ( Customer demonstration images, RB middle demonstration images, general demonstration images, etc.) are stored. The video RAM 89 functions as a temporary storage unit when an image is generated by the image control IC 86.

  The work RAM 84 functions as a temporary storage means for work when the image control microcomputer 81 executes the control program described above. Further, the calendar IC 85 stores date data. Note that an operation unit 17 is connected to the image control microcomputer 81, and in this embodiment, date setting and the like are performed by operating the operation unit 17 by an employee of a game hall or the like. Yes. The image control microcomputer 81 stores the date information set based on the input signal transmitted from the operation unit 17 in the calendar IC 85. In this case, the work RAM 84 and the calendar IC 85 are to be backed up, and even when the power supplied to the image control microcomputer 81 is shut off, the power is continuously supplied and the stored information and the like are erased. It is to be prevented.

  Further, the image control microcomputer 81 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 (each identifier and counter value) set in the work area in the work RAM 84. To do. Specifically, the image control microcomputer 81 stores a command (a command indicating a gaming state, winning combination, etc.) received from the main control circuit 71 via the serial port 82 in the work area of the work RAM 84 and the work area. The image data stored in the image ROM 88 is read out on the basis of the information stored in. Then, the image control microcomputer 81 transmits the image data read from the image ROM 88 to the image control IC 86 and instructs the image control IC 86 to display a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display device 5.

Here, the work area provided in the work RAM 84 will be described.
The work RAM 84 is provided with a plurality of work areas for storing the work area name, the range of values that can be taken in the work area, and the meaning of the values in association with each other.

  For example, specifically, an identifier 0 or 1 is stored in a work area whose work area name is an in-game identifier. In this work area, 0 is a value indicating that no game is currently being played (the game is not being played and the game flag is off), and 1 is being played (the game is being played and is being played). The flag is a value indicating ON).

  In addition, an identifier corresponding to the type (pattern) of the effect is given to the work region whose work region name is the effect identifier. In the work area whose work area name is the winning combination identifier, any value of 00H to FFH expressed in hexadecimal is associated with the winning combination. In the work area whose work area is the winning combination identifier and the work area whose carryover combination identifier is stored, any value of 00H to FFH expressed in hexadecimal is stored, and the meaning of the value means the work area This is the same as the work area whose name is the winning combination identifier.

  In the work area whose work area name is a random number counter, any value of 0 to 5 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 (ST501 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 described later) in a periodic interrupt process described later.

  Further, any value of 0 to 2 is stored in the work area whose work area is the stop reel identifier. In this work area, 0 is a value indicating that the stopped reel is the reel 3L (left reel), and 1 is a value indicating that the stopped reel is the reel 3C (middle reel). Is a value indicating that the stopped reel is the reel 3R (right reel).

  The work area whose work area name is the VDP counter name is stored with any value from 0 to 2, and the work area whose work area name is the unprocessed command storage area is received from the main control circuit 71. Commands that have not been processed are stored.

  For example, identifier 0 or 1 is stored in the work area whose work area name is the demo image identifier. In this work area, 0 is a value indicating a state in which various demo images can be displayed (demo flag is on), and 1 is a state in which an image before the game can be displayed (demo flag is off). It is a value indicating that.

  In the work area whose work area name is the demo counter name, any value of -1 to 60 is stored. Here, a value of −1 is set, or a value obtained by subtracting every 1 second is always stored in a periodic interrupt process described later.

  For example, a jump table as shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the program ROM 83 so as to associate the type of the input command with the jump destination process. Specifically, the image control microcomputer 81 performs the type of input command (unprocessed, which will be described later) in ST202-2, which will be described later, while performing the RESET interrupt process (see FIG. 11A) described later. The type of command) and the jump destination process are determined based on the jump table. Then, the image control microcomputer 81 performs a jump destination process (for example, a medal insertion process and a game start process described later), and when the jump destination process ends, the image control microcomputer 81 returns to the RESET interrupt process.

  In addition, the image selection table (see FIG. 5) stored in the program ROM 83 described above is a setting value (0 to 5) set by the above-described demonstration flag ON / OFF, current gaming state, and random number counter. Within the range), a selection pattern of image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 is determined. As will be described later, when the slot machine game is not performed for a predetermined time and the standby image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device, the RB is carried over and the random number is set on condition that the demo flag is on. If 0 is set in the counter (1/5 probability), demo image data for RB notice (demonstration effect image for customer visitor) is selected, and other values are set (probability of 4/5) General image data (normal demonstration effect image) is selected.

  As described above, the image control microcomputer 81 has a function as image data selection means.

The image control IC 86 described above performs the following processing based on an instruction from the image control microcomputer 81.
The image control IC 86 stores the image data received from the image control microcomputer 81 in a control RAM 87 provided in the image control IC 86, and an image (one frame) displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the stored data. The image data (one frame) is generated every 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 86 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 83. 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 86 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) to be displayed next on the liquid crystal display device 5 is stored in the first buffer frame area (buffer switching). The buffer switching is performed every 1/30 seconds, for example.

  As described above, the image control microcomputer 81 and the image control IC 86 have a function as image display control means for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display the above-described normal effect display and demonstration display.

  In the image control circuit (gSub) 72a described above, the image control microcomputer 81 also controls the effects of sound and lamps. The image control microcomputer 81 determines the type of sound / lamp and the output timing based on the determined effect. The image control microcomputer 81 transmits a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b via the serial port 82 at every predetermined timing. The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b mainly outputs only the sound / lamp according to the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 91, a serial port 92, a program ROM 93, a work RAM 94, a sound source IC 95, a power amplifier 96, and a sound source ROM 97.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 receives a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a via the serial port 92, and a control program stored in the program ROM 93 based on the received command. Perform sound / lamp output processing according to The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to LEDs 101 and lamps 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits an output signal to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 in response to a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a at a predetermined timing. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect.

  The work RAM 94 described above is configured as temporary storage means for work when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 executes the control program described above. The sound source IC 95 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 96.

  The power amplifier 96 is an amplifier, and speakers 21L and 21R are connected to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 95 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 21L and 21R. The sound source ROM 97 stores sound source data (phrase etc.) for generating a sound source.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and the like, and the volume output from the speakers 21L and 21R can be adjusted. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R to the input volume based on the input signal transmitted from the volume control unit 103.

Next, the operation of the slot machine configured as described above will be described.
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the control operation (RESET interrupt process) of the main control circuit 71 described above.

  First, when the power switch of the slot machine 1 is turned on and the power is turned on, the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 initializes predetermined data (data stored in the RAM 33, communication data, etc.) (ST1). .

  Next, the CPU 31 deletes predetermined data stored in the RAM 33 at the end of the previous game (ST2). Specifically, the CPU 31 deletes the parameters used in the previous game from the RAM 33, writes the parameters used in the next game into the RAM 33, and designates the start address of the sequence program of the next game.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs medal insertion monitoring / start check processing for determining whether or not a medal has been inserted by the player and whether or not the start lever 6 has been operated (ST3). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether there is a detection signal from the medal sensor 22S and whether there is an input from the start switch 6S. When there is no input of the medal insertion / start switch, the CPU 31 waits until the insertion / input is performed, and when there is an input / input, the CPU 31 proceeds to the processing of the next step.

  In the next step, the CPU 31 performs a lottery random number extraction process for the current game (ST4). That is, first, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a random number for probability lottery is stored in the RAM 33. This random number for probability lottery is stored in the RAM 33 every time there is an input from the start switch 6S in the start lever operation detection process.

  When the random number value for the probability lottery is not stored in the RAM 33, the CPU 31 extracts the random number value for the probability lottery from the random number generator 36. On the other hand, when the random number value for probability lottery is stored in the RAM 33, the CPU 31 sets the stored random number value as the random number value for probability lottery used in the current game.

  Each random number value for probability lottery stored in the RAM 33 is stored in association with the stored order. The CPU 31 extracts the random number value for the probability lottery stored most recently among the random number values for the probability lottery based on the order associated with the random number values for the probability lottery stored in the RAM 33. And set. For example, when the random number value for probability lottery stored in the past among the four random number values for probability lottery X1, X2, X3, X4 currently stored in the RAM 33 is the random number value X1, The CPU 31 extracts and sets the random number value X1 for probability lottery from the four random number values X1, X2, X3, and X4 stored in the RAM 33 as random number values for probability lottery used in the current game.

  Next, the CPU 31 extracts the random number value for the probability lottery used in the current game and erases (deletes) the set random number value from the RAM 33.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process (ST5). A specific description of this process will be described later.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a probability lottery process (ST6). In this probability lottery process, random numbers for probability lottery set in advance in ST4 are used. In this probability lottery process (ST6), the CPU 31 is based on the random number value extracted in the random number extraction process in ST4 described above and the probability lottery table corresponding to the current gaming situation determined in the gaming state monitoring process (ST5). Determine the internal winning role. In the probability lottery table, random numbers for internal winning are determined in advance for each winning combination.

  After the probability lottery process (ST6), the CPU 31 performs a winning combination determination process for stop (ST7). Specifically, the CPU 31 refers to the stop winning combination selection table, and determines the winning combination for stop according to the winning combination determined in step ST6 and the gaming state.

  Following the stop winning combination determination process, the CPU 31 performs a table line selection process which is a process of selecting a stop table (ST8). Specifically, the CPU 31 refers to a stop table prepared in advance, and selects a stop table according to the winning combination for stop determined in ST7 and the gaming state.

  However, if the winning combination for the stop is the left 1st related stop winning combination, the middle 1st related stop winning combination, or the right 1st related stop winning combination, the stop table is selected in this table line selection process (ST7). Instead, the determination is made when the stop button is pressed and the determination is YES. In addition, the CPU 31 determines which line out of the five lines 8a to 8e based on the information indicating the number of inserted medals corresponding to the random number value for probability lottery deleted in the random number extraction process for lottery (ST4) described above. Is determined to be a valid line. For example, the CPU 31 determines that all the five lines 8a to 8e are valid lines based on information indicating the number of inserted medals (three) corresponding to the erased random number for probability drawing. Then, the CPU 31 deletes the information indicating the number of medals inserted (3) after determining the effective line.

  Subsequently, the CPU 31 performs a start command setting process that is a process of transmitting a start command to the image control circuit 72a (ST9). This start command includes information such as a winning combination, a winning combination for stoppage, and a game state.

  Subsequently, the CPU 31 performs a game shortest time elapsed town process for determining whether or not a game shortest time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the previous game was started (ST10).

  Next, the CPU 31 sets a counter for posting the shortest game time on the counter for measuring the shortest game time (ST11). The shortest game time means the time required from the end of the previous game to the start of the current game. Subtraction of the time set in the game shortest time counter is performed in various counter subtraction processes in the periodic interrupt process.

  Subsequently, the CPU 31 issues a rotation start request instructing to start rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (ST12). The 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 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 CPU 31 controls the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R through the motor drive circuit 39 and the like so that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated at a constant rotational speed. When each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is performed at a constant rotational speed, the CPU 31 turns on a stop permission flag for that reel.

  CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop permission flag is ON for all reels 3L, 3C, and 3R (ST14). If all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R do not have the stop permission flag turned on, the process waits until all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R turn on (ST14, No). On the other hand, if the stop permission flag is ON for all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next process (ST14, Yes).

  When the stop permission flag is ON for all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are operated by the player (ST15). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop button has been operated based on the stop command signal from the reel stop signal circuit 46. Here, the stop command signal includes information for specifying the stop button. When the stop button is operated, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next process (ST15, Yes). On the other hand, when the stop button is not operated, the CPU 31 waits until the stop button is turned on (ST15, No).

  Subsequently, the CPU 31 performs a sliding frame number determination process for the target reel, which is a reel corresponding to the stop button that has been turned on (ST16). Specifically, the CPU 31 selects the stop table selected in the table line selection process in step ST8 described above or the stop table selected when the stop button ON determination process (ST15) determines Yes. The number of sliding symbols is determined based on the stop operation position and the stop control position.

  Next, the CPU 31 sets a reel stop request flag for instructing to stop the target reels after the target reels 3L, 3C, 3R have rotated by the number of sliding frames determined in the above-described step ST16 to ON. (ST18). The process for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed by a periodic interrupt process.

  Subsequently, the CPU 31 sets a reel stop command indicating that the rotation of the target reel has been stopped (ST19). This reel stop command includes information indicating the target reel.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped (ST20). In this determination, if the CPU 31 determines that all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the process proceeds to a winning command setting process (ST21) (ST20, Yes), while all the reels 3L, 3L, When 3C and 3R are not stopped, the process returns to the determination process (ST15) of whether or not the stop button is turned on (ST20, No).

  In step ST20, the CPU 31 determines that all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, and after the winning command is set in ST21, the CPU 31 indicates that all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. An all reel stop command is set (ST22).

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a winning search process (ST23). The winning search is to specify a winning combination (winning combination) based on the stop mode of the symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Specifically, the CPU 31 specifies a winning combination based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and a winning determination table (not shown). In the case of a game (unit game) in which a player bets three medals and five active lines are activated, the symbol of the left reel that is stopped along the center line 8c of each reel is the code number. 10. When the symbol of the middle reel is code number 13 and the symbol of the right reel is code number 13, it is understood that “bell (bell symbol) -bell bell” is stopped and displayed along the top line 8b. The winning combination in this game is determined to be the small part of the bell because the combination of symbols for winning is not stopped on the other lines.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs an erroneous winning check process for determining whether or not the winning combination is normal (ST24). Specifically, when the CPU 31 determines that the winning combination is not normal, an illegal error display process is performed, and the subsequent game process is stopped. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that the winning combination is normal, the process proceeds to the next process (ST25). In determining whether the winning combination 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.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning combination is a regular bonus (RB) (ST25). If the winning combination is not the regular bonus, the medal payout process is performed as it is (ST27). If the winning combination is the regular bonus, the CPU 31 clears the carryover combination (ST26), the occurrence of the RB game, and the medal Is paid out (ST27).

  After the process of ST27, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the gaming state is RB. If not, the CPU 31 proceeds to the first process of ST2. If the game state is determined to be RB, RB game number check processing is performed (ST29). In this process, for example, the number of times the RB gaming state has occurred, the number of games in the RB gaming state, the number of winnings in the RB gaming state, and the like are checked.

  Then, CPU 31 determines whether or not RB has ended (ST30). For example, the number of winnings in the JAC game in the RB gaming state, the number of games in the RB gaming state, etc. are checked. If not finished, the process proceeds to the first ST2, and if it is judged to be finished, the RB finishing process, First, processing for returning the gaming state to the general gaming state is performed (ST31).

  This is the end of the description of the operation example of the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment.

  Next, a processing example of the periodic interrupt processing performed during the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described with reference to FIG. The periodic interrupt process here is a process of interrupting the RESET interrupt process of the slot machine 1 at a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 1.1173 msec).

  When the periodic interrupt process is started, the CPU 31 saves the data stored in the register (ST51).

  Next, the CPU 31 performs input port check processing (ST52). Specifically, the CPU 31 checks the input port of the sub control circuit 72 in order to confirm whether the sub control circuit 72 is ready to receive a command.

  Subsequently, as a result of the input port check process of ST52, when the sub control circuit 72 is in a state where it can receive a command, the CPU 31 performs a communication data transmission process (ST53). That is, the CPU 31 checks whether or not various commands are stored in the RAM 33, and when any command is stored, transmits the command to the sub-control circuit 72.

  When the communication data transmission process (ST53) ends, the CPU 31 adds 1 to the value stored in the interrupt counter for counting the number of executions of the periodic interrupt process (ST54). The value of this interrupt counter is counted by one every time the periodic interrupt process is executed, and the number of executions up to that point can be stored and held.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value stored in the interrupt counter is an even number (ST55).

  When the CPU 31 determines that the value stored in the interrupt counter is an odd number (ST55, No), the CPU 31 sets information regarding the right reel 3R in a reel identifier indicating information regarding the right reel 3R provided in the RAM 33. (ST56).

  After executing ST56, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process, which is a control process such as low-speed rotation / acceleration / deceleration, stop, etc., for the right reel 3R based on the information about the right reel 3R set in the reel identifier (ST57). . Specifically, first, when a rotation start request is executed in ST12 described above, the CPU 31 starts rotation of the right reel 3R and gradually rotates the right reel 3R until a constant rotation speed is reached. Accelerate. Thereafter, when the rotation speed of the right reel 3R becomes constant and the stop button 7R is pressed, the CPU 31 rotates and stops the reel by the number of sliding frames determined in ST16.

  After executing ST57, the CPU 31 sets information relating to the middle reel 3C to the reel identifier (ST58). After executing ST58, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process for the middle reel 3C based on the information about the middle reel 3C set in the reel identifier (ST59). Since the process of ST59 is the same as the process of ST57 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  After executing ST59, the CPU 31 sets information regarding the left reel 3L in the reel identifier (ST60). Thereafter, CPU 31 performs a reel control process on left reel 3L based on information on left reel 3L set in the reel identifier (ST661). Since this process is the same as the reel control process of ST57, 59 described above, a detailed description is omitted.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the value stored in the interrupt counter is an even number (ST55, Yes) in ST55 described above, the CPU 31 displays the payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19 and the like composed of 7-segment LEDs. 7SEG drive control processing, which is control for displaying numerical values and the like, is performed (ST62).

  After completing the reel control process (ST61) or 7SEG drive control process (ST62) for the left reel, the CPU 31 performs various counter subtraction processes, which are processes for subtracting a predetermined number from various counter values (ST63). Specifically, the CPU 31 performs subtraction of various counters such as subtracting a predetermined number from the counter value for measuring the shortest game time set in ST11.

  After completion of the various counter subtraction processes (ST63), the CPU 31 executes an electromagnetic counter control process that is a process for controlling a coin selector (not shown) that distributes a normal medal and an abnormal medal when a medal is inserted. (ST64).

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 executes a register return process for restoring the register saved in step ST51 described above (ST65).

  Thereafter, the periodic interrupt process is terminated and the process returns to the address that was being executed before the interrupt.

  Next, the gaming state monitoring process in ST5 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not it is in a general gaming state (ST71). If it is determined in this determination that the game state is a general game state, it is determined whether or not the winning combination in the previous unit game is RB (ST72). If it is RB, it is set in the RAM 33 as a carryover combination (ST73). Next, it is determined whether there is a carryover combination (ST74). If there is a carryover combination, the RB carryover state is set in the RAM 33 (ST75). In ST72, if the winning combination in the previous unit game is not RB, it is determined whether there is a carryover combination (ST74). If there is a carryover combination, the RB carryover state is set in the RAM 33 (ST75). ).

  Next, the operation of the image control circuit 72a (image control microcomputer 81) shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The image control microcomputer 81 (CPU) operates based on commands received from the main control circuit 71 and information stored in each work area of the work RAM 84.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the image control microcomputer 81 initializes data (each identifier and counter value) stored in each work area of the work RAM 84 and data stored in the control RAM 87 and the video RAM 89 ( In addition to ST201), interrupts by periodic interrupt processing such as periodic signal reception interrupt processing (see FIG. 11B) and command signal reception processing (see FIG. 11C) described later are permitted. Next, the image control microcomputer 81 monitors whether or not data (for example, a command) is input from the main control circuit 71 (ST202). A detailed description of this process will be described later.

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 performs an image drawing process (ST203). Specifically, the image control microcomputer reads the image data from the image ROM 88 based on the normal effect display selected during the medal insertion process described later, the effect display during the game, and the demonstration display during the demonstration, The read image data and information related to the display position and size are transmitted to the image control IC 86 (VDP). Further, the image control IC 86 (VDP) uses the image data (one frame) already stored in one frame buffer area provided in the video RAM 89 for the received image data and information related to the display position and size thereof. The image data relating to the image to be read out and displayed next on the liquid crystal display device 5 is stored.

  Next, in ST204, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the value of the VDP counter is 2. In this case, the value of the VDP counter is counted up (added by 1) when a command signal interrupt process, which will be described later, occurs at a predetermined cycle (every 1/60 seconds). If this determination is YES, the image control microcomputer 81 proceeds to the process of ST205, and if it is NO, the image control microcomputer 81 waits until the value of the VDP counter becomes 2.

  In the process of ST205, the image control microcomputer 81 sets the value of the VDP counter to 0. Next, the image control microcomputer 81 transmits a buffer switching command to the image control IC 86 to switch the display image data buffer and the write image data buffer (ST206). That is, the image control microcomputer 81 instructs the image control IC 86 to switch the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 every 1/30 seconds. Specifically, the image control IC 86 converts the image data (1 frame) used for the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 every 1/30 seconds into the first frame buffer area (or the second frame buffer area). Is switched from image data (1 frame) stored in the image data (1 frame) stored in the second frame buffer area (or first frame buffer area) (display image data area and write image data area) Switching).

  FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a flow of an interrupt process (periodic signal reception interrupt process from the image control IC 86) that occurs every predetermined period (for example, 1/60 seconds). Here, in ST211, the image control microcomputer 81 adds 1 to the value of the VDP counter. Then, the image control microcomputer 81 returns to the flow (address) before the above interrupt processing occurs. That is, by setting +1 to the VDP counter every 1/60 seconds in this way, in the above-mentioned ST204 and ST205, the VDP counter is set to 0 every 1/30 seconds elapses. The switching process is executed.

  FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a flow of interrupt processing that occurs every time a command is received from the main control circuit 71. Here, in ST221, the image control microcomputer 81 stores the command from the main control circuit 71 as an unprocessed command in the work area of the work RAM 84 whose work area name is an unprocessed command storage area. When this process ends, the image control microcomputer 81 returns to the flow (address) before this interrupt process occurs.

Next, the command input process in ST202 described above will be described in detail.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the command input processing of this embodiment.

  In ST202-1, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed command received from the main control circuit 71 in the work area of the work RAM 84 whose work area name is an unprocessed command storage area. When there is an unprocessed command, the image control microcomputer 81 executes a process corresponding to the unprocessed command (ST202-2), and when there is no unprocessed command, the command input process is terminated.

  If there is an unprocessed command, the image control microcomputer 81 sets a destination address for returning to the command input process after the process of ST202-2 is completed.

  In the process of ST202-2 described above, the image control microcomputer 81 determines a jump destination process with reference to the above-described jump table shown in FIG. 6 based on the type of the unprocessed command. Then, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the jump destination is appropriate. If it is appropriate, the image control microcomputer 81 jumps to the determined jump destination process, and executes each process at the jump destination. Various processes shown in FIG. 6 exist as the jump destination processes. In the following, a winning process, a medal insertion process, and a game start process, which are processes related to the present invention, will be described. When the jump destination process ends, the process proceeds to the command input process based on the return address, and the image control microcomputer 81 sets the unprocessed command as processed in ST202-3. Specifically, for example, the image control microcomputer 81 processes the data stored in the work RAM 84 as an unprocessed command.

  In ST202-2 described above, when the type of unprocessed command is the winning command set in S21 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the in-game flag is turned off as shown in the winning process flowchart of FIG. (ST231). Usually, at this stage, the player is in a state where one game is finished by pressing the stop button.

  Next, regarding the medal insertion process when the type of unprocessed command is the medal insertion command set in ST3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 in ST202-2 described above, referring to the flowchart of FIG. explain.

  In ST301, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the in-game flag stored in the work area of the work RAM 84 is OFF (in-game identifier = 0). In the above-described winning process, when the in-game flag is off, the in-game flag is turned on because a medal is inserted (ST302), and the current gaming state is extracted from the command (ST303). Then, in ST304, a process of turning off the flag during demonstration (a state in which a normal effect image other than the demo image is displayed) is performed, and an effect is produced according to the current game state based on the image selection table shown in FIG. An image is selected (ST305). In this case, as described above, image data corresponding to the gaming state is selected regardless of the set value of the random number counter. That is, when the gaming state is RB, the image data before RB game start is selected, and when the game state is the carryover state of RB or the general game state, the image data before the general game start is selected, and the liquid crystal display device 5 Then, a normal effect image according to the gaming state is displayed.

  After the image data is selected, the initial value (here, 60 seconds, corresponding to the time until the demo image to be a standby image is displayed) is set in the demo counter (ST305), and the process is performed. finish.

  In ST301, if the in-game flag is on, it is determined whether the in-demo flag is on (ST301-1). If the in-demonstration flag is on, the in-demonstration flag is determined in ST304. Is set to OFF and the above-described processing of ST305 and 306 is performed. When the demo flag is OFF, an initial value (60 seconds in this case) is set in the demo counter (ST305).

  Next, in ST202-2 described above, the game start process when the type of unprocessed command is the start command set in ST3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. To do.

  In ST401, the image control microcomputer 81 extracts the gaming state stored in the work area of the work RAM 84, and sets a value of “−1” in the demo counter (ST402). Here, the value of “−1” is set in the demo counter because the demo flag is not inverted (the demo flag is not turned on) in the periodic interrupt processing flow (ST504) described later.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the current gaming state is RB or the general gaming state (ST403). If the gaming state is RB, the RB gaming image data is selected (ST404), and if it is not RB (general gaming state, Alternatively, in the RB carryover state), image data for general gaming is selected (ST405). Note that the selected image data is subjected to image drawing processing in ST203 described above.

  Next, the periodic interrupt process performed during the RESET interrupt process operation (see FIG. 11) in the sub control circuit described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This periodic interrupt process is a process periodically executed in the image control microcomputer 81, and is performed, for example, every 2 ms.

  In ST501, the image control microcomputer 81 performs an update process of a value stored in a portion where the work area name of the work RAM 84 is a random number counter (updating is performed in a range of 0 to 4). Subsequently, voice control processing (ST502) and lamp lighting control processing (ST503) are performed. Here, the image control microcomputer 81 is performed by updating the effect command related to sound and the command related to lamp lighting together with the gaming state and outputting the command to the sound / lamp control circuit 72b.

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether the value of the demo counter value stored in the work RAM 84 is 0 or more (ST504). Here, when the demo counter is smaller than 0, that is, when “−1” is set in the above-described ST402, the game start process is performed, so the image control microcomputer 81 ends this periodic interrupt process. Return to the flow (address) before the interrupt processing occurred.

  If the demo counter is determined to be greater than or equal to 0 in ST504, the image control microcomputer 81 subsequently performs a demo count subtraction process (ST505). In this subtraction process, the count value is subtracted by one every time approximately 1 second elapses. Then, the demo flag is inverted when the value of the demo counter reaches 0 (ST506, ST507). Specifically, when the player inserts a medal and plays a game, and the game ends as it is, the demonstration flag is set to OFF in ST304 of the above-described flowchart. Then, after the demo counter is set to 60 seconds in ST306, if it is determined that this period has ended in the periodic interrupt process, the demo flag is inverted in the process of ST507 and turned from OFF to ON. The

  When the demo flag is on and image data selection processing is performed based on the image selection table shown in FIG. 5 (ST508), if the gaming state is an RB carryover state, the random number counter sets a value of 0. On the condition (1/5 probability), the demo image data for RB notice is selected. That is, the liquid crystal display device 5 displays a standby image (an image informing that the RB is in the carryover state) different from the normal standby image (general demo image) with a probability of 1/5. A normal standby image is displayed with the probability of.

  After this selection process, the image control microcomputer 81 again sets 60 seconds in the demo counter portion of the work area of the work RAM (ST509).

  After that, when the value of the demo counter becomes 0, this time, in ST507, the demo flag is inverted (demo flag off), so as shown in the image selection table in FIG. 5 regardless of the gaming state. The pre-game start image data is selected, and the liquid crystal display device 5 displays an image corresponding thereto (a normal effect display such as a display image that prompts the player to perform an operation or a display image that indicates that the RB is in progress).

  According to the slot machine configured as described above, when a standby image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 in a non-game state where a medal is not inserted for a predetermined time (set to 60 seconds), the slot machine When a game state (for example, a bonus game) that gives a large profit is carried over, a special image (demonstration image for visiting customers) that informs that the RB is carried over for a certain period of time with a predetermined probability. ) Will be displayed. For this reason, when the player passes in front of a vacant slot machine, he / she comes to pay attention to the standby image performed on the liquid crystal display device 5, and the player who has entered the game hall is for the time being. It can be expected to go to see the standby image of the liquid crystal display device 5 performed in the slot machine, and the effect of attracting customers can be enhanced. As described above, the effect of attracting customers increases the operating rate of the slot machine.

  In the above configuration, the demonstration image for customer reception is not always displayed in the standby image, but is displayed with a predetermined probability and is updated at regular intervals. The player can be attracted again, and even the same player can be attracted frequently.

  Note that the contents of the demonstration images for customer visit described above are not limited to a special mode, and may be anything that allows a player to find a difference from a commonly performed demonstration image. . In addition, the carryover combination has been described with reference to the bonus game (RB; regular bonus) in the slot machine described above, but it can be modified as appropriate according to the type of the slot machine, game content, and the like. It is possible to apply any gaming machine that brings the winning combination that is in a relatively advantageous gaming state to the carryover state. Also, the time until the standby image is displayed (the value of the initial value of the demo counter) and the appearance probability can be modified as appropriate.

  The present invention can be applied to various gaming machines including an image display device, such as a pachinko machine, in addition to the slot machine described in this embodiment. Further, the present invention can be applied to a game program that is executed in a pseudo manner for a personal computer or a home game machine. In that case, any recording medium such as a DVD, CD-ROM, or FD (flexible disk) can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program, or such a program can be stored on the Internet or a satellite communication line. It may be distributed in a network environment such as.

The perspective view of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the reel. The block diagram which shows the structure of a main control board. The block diagram which shows the structure of a sub control board. The figure which shows the example of an image selection table. The figure which shows the jump table which matches the kind of input command, and the process of a jump destination. The flowchart (the 1) which shows the example of the processing operation in a main control board. The flowchart (the 2) which shows the example of the processing operation in a main control board. The flowchart which shows the example of the regular interruption process performed during the processing operation in a main control board. The flowchart which shows the example of a game state monitoring process. 6 is a flowchart including an example of a processing operation in the sub-control board, including (a) to (c). The flowchart which shows the example of command input processing. The flowchart which shows the example of a winning process. The flowchart which shows the example of medal insertion processing. The flowchart which shows the example of a game start process. The flowchart which shows the example of the regular interruption process performed during the processing operation in a sub control board.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine (game machine)
3L, 3C, 3R Reel 5 Liquid crystal display devices 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 72a Image control circuit 72b Sound / lamp control circuit

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine having variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information necessary for a game, and image display means capable of displaying a predetermined effect display related to the gaming state,
Game start means for starting a unit game based on a game start command signal from the game start command means;
A winning combination determining means for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination based on the game start command signal;
Stop command means for outputting a stop command signal in response to an operation by the player;
In accordance with the stop command signal from the stop command means, a winning display control means for allowing a predetermined winning mode based on the winning combination to be stopped and displayed on the variable display means,
Game value giving means for giving a game value to a player when the winning display control means stops and displays a predetermined winning mode;
Image display control means for performing display control so that normal effect display and demonstration display are performed on the image display means;
Image data selection that makes it possible to select from among a plurality of image data image data for a demonstration display for a visitor from a demonstration display when a specific winning combination is carried over without winning a prize among the winning combinations Means,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:   2. The image data selection unit switches between a selectable state and a non-selectable state that enable selection of image data for the demonstration display for the customer visit every predetermined time. Game machines.

Images