JP2006000680A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of the continued emission of loud game sounds with no play on the game machine involved, which bothers the surrounding people when the players leave the game machine during the BB game. <P>SOLUTION: Before 30 s or more passes after the timing of starting the preceding game, the volume of the game sounds is maximized (step 173). Before 60 s or more passes after the timing of starting the preceding game, the game sounds are emitted at the volume lowered by one level (step 175). Before 90 s or more passes after the timing of starting the preceding game, the game sounds are emitted at the volume lowered by another one level (step 177). While the volume of the game sounds is lowered, a sub CPU 82 makes a liquid crystal display 22 carry out the image performance to match the game state at the moment (step 185 in Fig. 27 (not illustrated)). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with sound output means for continuously outputting game sounds and notifying a player of the current game state.

  Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, for example, there is a slot machine in which three reels are arranged in three rows behind a front door. These reels constitute a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols. Various symbols are drawn on the outer periphery of each reel, and can be observed through each window formed in the front door. A winning line is written in this window, and the slot machine game is performed depending on whether or not a predetermined symbol combination is stopped on any of the winning lines by operating each stop button.

  The winning mode is determined by random number lottery performed by the winning mode determining means immediately after the start lever is operated, and is already determined before each reel is stopped by the player. The winning mode determined inside the machine is stored as an internal winning flag. Thereafter, rotation of each reel is controlled by the reel stop control circuit in accordance with the player's stop button operation and the type of the internal winning flag, and the winning symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning flag is stopped and displayed on the winning line. And the player can actually experience the prize.

  The winning mode includes a big win, a middle win, a small win, and the like. The big win and the middle win are generated when three symbols “7” and three predetermined character symbols are arranged on the winning line. A special game such as a big bonus game (BB game) can be performed in the jackpot winning prize, and a regular bonus game (RB game) can be performed in the middle winning prize, and a large amount of coins can be obtained. Also, a small winning prize occurs when three symbols such as “plum” and “bell” are arranged on the winning line, and in this small winning prize, several medals can be obtained.

  A speaker is built in the cabinet of the slot machine, and special game sounds are continuously output from the speaker when the BB game or the RB game is performed. The player can confirm that the current gaming state is a BB game or an RB game by listening to the special game sound.

  However, while a BB game or an RB game is being played, some players leave the game stand. In such a case, in the conventional gaming machine, a special game sound is generated from the speaker. The sound is continuously output. If a large game sound continues to be output from the speaker even though the player is not playing on the game table, the player playing around the game table will not be affected by the large game sound. Cause inconvenience.

  Also, when the medals are transferred to a medal storage box called a dollar box while the BB game or the RB game is being played, the conventional gaming machine has a special game from a speaker. The sound continues to be emitted. In this case, since a large game sound continues to be output from the speaker even though the game is not being played, the player who is playing the game on the game table is bothered by the large game sound.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a winning mode determining means for determining a winning mode by random lottery and a game sound to be continuously output to notify the player of the current gaming state. In a gaming machine configured with sound output means for
State detection means for detecting a state in which no operation by the player has been performed for a predetermined period of time, and continuous sound output by the sound output means when this state detection means has detected a state in which the player has not operated for a predetermined period of time Sound output control means for lowering the volume of the sound, and a liquid crystal display device that performs an image effect according to the gaming state at that time while the volume of the continuous sound output is lowered by the sound output control means. Features.

  According to this configuration, when the state detection means detects a state in which the operation by the player has not been performed for a predetermined period, the sound output control means decreases the volume of continuous sound output by the sound output means. For this reason, when the player leaves the gaming table or suspends the game in order to move the acquired medal to the dollar box, the volume of continuous sound output by the sound output means decreases.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, a large game sound continues to be produced or the acquired medal is stored in the dollar box even though the player leaves the game table and no game is played on the game table. When transferring, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that a large game sound continues to be output despite not playing a game.

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

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a view showing the inside of the cabinet 38 with the front door 37 of the slot machine 1 opened. 2 that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Three reels 2, 3, 4 are rotatably provided at the center of the main body of the slot machine 1. These reels 2, 3, and 4 constitute a variable display device that variably displays various symbols used in a game in a plurality of rows. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4, a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) is drawn. Three of these symbols are observed through the display windows 5, 6 and 7 in front of the slot machine 1, respectively. The display windows 5, 6, and 7 are provided with a total of five winning lines, three horizontally and two diagonally. In addition, on the lower right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a slot 8 is provided for a player to insert a medal as a game medium.

  Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal from the medal insertion slot 8, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), the single horizontal winning line L1 is activated. When two cards are inserted, as shown in FIG. 2B, the upper and lower horizontal winning lines L2A and L2B are added to the three horizontal winning lines L1, L2A and L2B. The When three cards are inserted, all five winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B are validated as shown in FIG. Note that the circles in the figure represent symbols drawn on the reels 2 to 4.

  Further, on the left side of the display windows 5 to 7, four chance LEDs (light emitting diodes) 9 to 12, three game operation display lamps 13 to 15, a stored number display section 16, and a start lamp 17 are displayed from the top. Is provided. The chance LEDs 9 to 12 and the game operation display lamps 13 to 15 are controlled to be turned on according to the game state, and the player is notified of the game state at that time. The stored number display unit 16 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals currently credited inside the machine. The start lamp 17 blinks when the reels 2 to 4 are operable.

  Further, on the right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a bonus count display section 18, a WIN lamp 19, a payout number display section 20, and an insert lamp 21 are provided from the top. The bonus count display unit 18 is made up of three-digit 7-segment LEDs, and digitally displays the remaining number of possible winnings of an RB game and a jack game, which will be described later, when a bonus game is won. The WIN lamp 19 is turned on when the winning combination symbols are aligned on the activated winning line. The number-of-payout display unit 20 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of medals to be paid out by winning. The insert lamp 21 is lit when the insertion slot 8 can accept the insertion of medals.

  A 7-inch liquid crystal display device 22 is provided immediately below the display windows 5 to 7. Various information is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 as described later. On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 22, a cross key 23, an A button 24, a B button 25, a 1 stored medal insertion switch 26, a 2 stored medal insertion switch 27, and a 3 stored medal insertion switch 28 are provided. The cross key 23 is operated in the four directions of up, down, left and right, and is used together with the A button 24 and the B button 25 to select information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. The stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28 display 1 to 3 per game instead of inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 8 when the number of medals is displayed on the stored number display unit 16 and credited. Used when betting medals.

  Further, a stored medal settlement switch 29, a start lever 30, and stop buttons 31, 32, and 33 are provided below the liquid crystal display device 22 from the left side. The start lever 30 constitutes game start means for starting a game. The stored medal settlement switch 29 is used when a medal credited in the machine is settled. Further, the operation of the start lever 30 starts the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 all at once. The stop buttons 31 to 33 are arranged corresponding to the reels 2 to 4, and the operation is activated when the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 reaches a constant speed. The rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is stopped.

  A medal tray 34 is provided at the lower front of the slot machine 1. The medal tray 34 stores medals paid out from the medal payout opening 35. In addition, a payout display section 36 indicating how many medals are paid out for winning is provided at the upper front of the slot machine 1.

  A power supply box unit 51 is provided next to the hopper 72 inside the cabinet 38. A main switch 52, a reset switch 53, and a lottery probability setting key switch 54 are provided on the front face of the power supply box unit 51. The main switch 52 is a switch for interrupting the power supply required for the operation of the slot machine 1, and the reset switch 53 is a switch operated when canceling the error operation and setting the lottery probability. The lottery probability setting key type switch 54 is operated when setting the lottery probability and when confirming the set lottery probability.

  FIG. 4 shows symbol rows drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 2, 3, 4. Each symbol row is configured by arranging 21 types of symbols, and corresponds to the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4 in order from the left in the drawing. Each symbol is assigned a code number of “1 to 21”, and each reel 2, 3 and 4 is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves downward in the figure.

  The symbol type is “Seven” consisting of the number 7, the upper half semicircular “upper glove” consisting of a boxing glove picture, and the lower half semicircular “lower glove” consisting of a boxing glove picture. There are 7 types: “Punching ball” used for boxing practice, “Gong” sounded at the beginning and end of one round of boxing, “Revenge” consisting of English letters, and “Cherry”. The symbol “upper glove” and the symbol “lower glove” are combined together to form one new symbol “KO punch”, and the character “KO!” Is formed at the center.

  The symbols “seven”, “upper glove”, and “lower glove” constitute a specific symbol that generates a bonus winning game. The widths of these symbols are projected in the width direction of the reel band as compared with the widths of other symbols, and are drawn with a large area as a whole. Therefore, these symbols are easily seen by the player as compared with other symbols.

  Each reel 2 to 4 is configured as a rotating reel unit shown in FIG. 5 and is attached to the frame 41 via a bracket 42. Each of the reels 2 to 4 has a reel band 44 attached to the outer periphery of the reel drum 43. The symbol row is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel band 44. Each bracket 42 is provided with a stepping motor 45, and each of the reels 2 to 4 is rotated by driving the motor 45.

  The structure of each reel 2 to 4 is shown in FIG. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. A lamp case 46 is provided inside the reel drum 43 behind the reel band 44, and back lamps 47a, 47b, 47c are attached to the three rooms of the lamp case 46, respectively. These back lamps 47 a to 47 c are mounted on a substrate 48 as shown in FIG. 5B, and the substrate 48 is attached to the back of the lamp case 46. A photo sensor 49 is attached to the bracket 42. The photo sensor 49 detects that the shielding plate 50 provided on the reel drum 43 passes through the photo sensor 49 as the reel drum 43 rotates.

  Each of the back lamps 47a to 47c is controlled to be lit by a lamp driving circuit described later. When the back lamps 47a to 47c are turned on, among the symbols drawn on the reel band 44, three symbols positioned at the front of each back lamp 47 are individually illuminated from behind, and the display windows 5 to 7 are illuminated. Three symbols are projected on each.

  FIG. 7 is a winning symbol combination table determined in advance in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and is shown in the payout display section 36 at the upper front of the slot machine 1. When three symbols “seven”, “upper glove” and “lower glove” are arranged on the activated pay line, 15 medals are paid out, and then a B / B (big bonus) game is executed. In addition, when three of these symbols are arranged on the activated pay line in the general game during the B / B game, a small win is won and 15 medals are paid out.

  In addition, at the time of a general game, 15 symbols when the combination of the symbols “upper glove”-“upper glove”-“seven” or the combination of the symbols “lower glove”-“lower glove”-“seven” are aligned on the activated winning line After the medals are paid out, the R · B (regular bonus) game is executed. In addition, when these symbol combinations are aligned with the activated pay line during a general game during the B / B game, a small win is won and 15 medals are paid out.

  In addition, at the time of general game, if 3 symbols “Punching Ball” and “Gong” are all on the activated winning line, 12 wins and 8 medals will be paid out. Even if three of these symbols are arranged on the activated pay line during a general game, a small win is won and 12 or 8 medals are also paid out.

  In addition, when three symbols “Revenge” are arranged on the activated pay line during the general game, the game is replayed, and although there is no medal payout, it is possible to play one more game without inserting a medal. When 3 symbols are placed on the activated pay line during the general game during the B / B game, 8 medals are paid out, and the game state shifts from the general game during the B / B game to the bonus game. . Further, the three combinations of the symbol “revenge” are combinations of jack game winnings of the jack game during the bonus game. This jack game is a game in which a combination of “revenge”-“revenge”-“revenge” is arranged on the middle winning line L1 in the bonus game.

  In addition, when one symbol “Cherry” stops on the activated pay line of the first reel 3 during the general game, a small win is awarded and two medals are paid out, and this 1 is displayed during the general game during the B / B game. Even if one symbol stops on the activated pay line of the first reel 3, a small win is won and two medals are also paid out.

  The symbols “upper glove” and “lower glove” do not pay out medals at the time of general game when one symbol stops on the activated pay line of the first reel 3, but the general game during the B / B game Sometimes when this one symbol stops on the activated pay line of the first reel 3, five medals are paid out.

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

  (1) General game

  In general games, if the combination of the three symbols “Punching Ball” and “Gong” is lined up on the winning line or if one symbol “Cherry” stops on the winning line of the first reel, a small win will be won. Each payout described above is paid out to the player, and one game ends. Further, when the combination of three symbols of the symbol “Revenge” is aligned on the winning line, the game can be played again without inserting medals. Further, if the symbol combination arranged on the winning line does not correspond to any of the payout tables shown in FIG. 7, it becomes “out of” (no payout). In addition, when three symbol combinations of the symbols “seven”, “upper glove”, or “lower glove” are aligned on the winning line, the above-mentioned number of medals are paid out and a plurality of high payout games are summarized. It shifts to the following BB (big hit) game generated. Also, when the symbol combination consisting of two symbols “Upper Globe” and “Seven” or the symbol combination consisting of two symbols “Lower Glove” and “Seven” is aligned on the winning line, the above-mentioned number of medals will be paid out. After being issued, the game proceeds to the following RB (medium hit) game in which one high payout game can be performed.

  (2) R / B game

  The R / B game occurs when the above symbol combinations are arranged on the winning line during a general game. In the R / B game, a single-medal game called a jack game can be performed a plurality of times. In this jack game, when three combinations of the symbol “revenge” are arranged on the winning line L1, a jack game winning occurs and eight medals are paid out. The jack game also causes “out of game”, but the jack game prize is generated with a high probability of about 9/10. This R / B game ends when, for example, a jack game winning is generated eight times, or when the total number of jack games executed during the R / B game reaches, for example, twelve.

  (3) B / B game

  (i) The B / B game is composed of a combination of the R / B game and the general game a plurality of times (in this embodiment, twice). When the B / B game occurs, first, a general game is executed. In the general game during this B / B game, there is also a “out of game”, but the small hits by the three slots of the symbols “seven”, “upper glove” and “lower glove”, “punching ball”, “gong” ”And“ Cherry ”will be generated with a higher probability than in general games other than during the B / B game. Furthermore, in the general game during the B / B game, a small hit by one symbol “upper glove” and “lower glove” that does not occur during the above-described general game also occurs.

  (ii) In addition, when three combinations of the symbol “revenge” are arranged in the general game in the B / B game, 8 coins are paid out.

  (iii) Thereafter, the game shifts to a bonus game which is an R / B game in which a plurality of jack games can be played. The bonus game in the B / B game is also terminated when, for example, a jack game prize is generated 8 times or the total number of jack games executed during the bonus game reaches 12 times, for example.

  (iv) When the bonus game ends, the general game in the B / B game described in (i) above is performed again, and the symbol combination described in (ii) above occurs during this general game. Thereafter, the bonus game described in (iii) above is further performed. The B / B game is a repetition of a set of general games and bonus games shown in the above (i) to (iii). When this set is performed a predetermined number of times, for example, twice, the B / B game is End. However, during this B / B game, the total number of games in the general gaming state (i) and (ii) above, in other words, the total number of games excluding the number of jack games in the bonus game (iii) above is a predetermined number of times. For example, the B / B game ends when the number of times exceeds 30.

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show circuit configurations configured on the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62 that control the game processing operation of the slot machine 1 described above.

  The control unit in the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 8 includes a microcomputer 63 (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) as a main component, and a circuit for random number sampling is added thereto. The microcomputer 63 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 64 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM (read only memory) 65 that is a program storage means, and a control RAM (random access) with a backup function. -Memory) 66. Connected to the CPU 64 are a clock pulse generation circuit 67 and a frequency divider 68 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 69 for generating a random number in a certain range, and a random number sampling circuit 70 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. Has been. Further, an I / O port 71 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a peripheral device (actuator) described later is connected. The ROM 32 has a storage section that stores a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and a sequence program. The contents of these tables will be described later.

  In the circuit configuration shown in the figure, a random number generator 69 and a random number sampling circuit 70, which are circuits different from the microcomputer 63, are used as the random number generating means and the random number sampling means. The random number sampling may be executed on the operation program. In that case, the random number generator 69 and the random number sampling circuit 70 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 include a stepping motor 45 that rotationally drives the reels 2, 3, 4, various lamps (game operation display lamps 13 to 15, start lamp 17, WIN lamp 19), various display units (stored number display unit 16, chance LEDs 9 to 12, bonus count display unit 18, winning dividend display unit 20), and hopper 72 for storing medals. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display unit drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71 of the microcomputer 63.

  As main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal, the inserted medal sensor 8S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal slot 8 and the operation of the start lever 30 are used. There are a start switch 30S for detecting the stored medal insertion switches 25 to 27, a stored medal settlement switch 29, a reset switch 53 and a setting key type switch 54. Further, there is a reel position detection circuit 77 that receives the output pulse signal from the photo sensor 49 and detects the rotational position of each reel 2, 3 and 4. The photo sensor 49 is included in the driving mechanism of each reel 2 to 4 and is not shown in the drawing.

  The reel position detection circuit 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45 after the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is started, and writes this count value in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. Therefore, the RAM 66 stores a count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the reels 2 to 4. The photo sensor 49 detects the shielding plate 50 and generates a reset pulse every time the reels 2 to 4 make one rotation. This reset pulse is supplied to the CPU 63 via the reel position detection circuit 77, and the count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 66 is cleared to "0". By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 45 is eliminated every rotation.

  Further, as the input signal generating means, the reel stop signal circuit 78 for generating a signal for stopping the corresponding reel when the stop buttons 31, 32, 33 are pressed, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 72 are counted. There are a medal detection unit 72S and a payout completion signal generation circuit (not shown). This payout completion signal generating circuit pays out medals when the actually paid out medal count value input from the medal detection unit 72S reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal input from the display unit drive circuit 75. Generates a signal to detect completion of Each circuit constituting the input signal generating means is also connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71.

  A sub-control unit communication port 79 is connected to the I / O port 71, and the microcomputer 63 sends a signal to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79. The sub control board 62 shown in FIG. 9 is provided with a main control unit communication port 80 for receiving this signal. Communication between the sub control unit communication port 79 and the main control unit communication port 80 is performed only in one direction from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 80. In the present embodiment, the signal sent from the sub-control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 80 is a 7-bit command type indicating the control type, and an 8-bit or 24-bit length of the command. It consists of a set of parameters whose contents are represented.

  The control unit in the sub-control board 62 includes a microcomputer 81 as a main component, and a circuit for random number sampling is added thereto. Similarly to the microcomputer 63 on the main control board 61, the microcomputer 81 includes a sub CPU 82 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM 83 that is a program storage unit, and a control RAM 84 with a backup function. The CPU 81 is also connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 85 for generating a reference clock pulse and a frequency divider 86, and further, an I / O for exchanging signals with the main control unit communication port 80 and an actuator described later. An O port 87 is connected. The sub CPU 82 calculates data necessary for displaying the gaming machine data on the liquid crystal display device 22 for each game based on a command transmitted from the main control board 61, and stores the data stored in the control RAM 84 for each game. Updated to calculated data.

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

  Further, a non-game state monitoring timer 97 is connected to the I / O port 87. The timer 97 is set by the sub CPU 82 as described later at the timing when the game is started, and measures the elapsed time since the game was started. The sub CPU 82, the ROM 83, the RAM 84, and the non-game state monitoring timer 97 constitute state detection means for detecting a state in which no game is played.

  An image control IC (high integration circuit) 90 and a sound source IC 91 are also connected to the I / O port 87. Connected to the image control IC 90 are a character ROM 92 storing character data and a video RAM 93 which is a color display display memory. The image control IC 90 is controlled by the microcomputer 81 and has a 7-inch liquid crystal display device 22. Display an image. The microcomputer 81 fetches information such as the gaming state at that time and the type of winning flag from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 80, and selects an image effect pattern to be displayed based on the fetched gaming state and winning flag. . Then, the selected pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 by controlling the image control IC 90. The liquid crystal display device 22 can display information desired by the player by operating the cross key 23, the A button 24, and the B button 25.

  In addition, a sound ROM 94 storing sound data is connected to the sound source IC 91, and the sound source IC 91 emits sound from the speaker 96 through the power amplifier 95 under the control of the microcomputer 81. As will be described later, the microcomputer 81 controls the sound source IC 91 and the power amplifier 95 in accordance with an instruction input from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 80 to control the medal insertion sound, start lever operation sound, and stop. Sound effects such as button operation sounds and game sounds during bonus games are output from the speaker 96.

  Here, the sub CPU 82, the ROM 83, the RAM 84, the sound ROM 94, the sound source IC 91, the power amplifier 95, and the speaker 96 continuously output the game sound and the current game state is determined by the winning mode determining means. A sound output means for notifying the player that the game state is in accordance with is configured. In addition, when the state detecting means detects a state in which a game is not being performed, it also constitutes a sound output control means for reducing the volume of the continuous sound output by the sound output means or muting the sound. is doing.

  FIG. 10 conceptually shows a winning probability table stored in the ROM 65 of the main control board 61. This winning probability table is used to divide the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 70 into each winning mode, and stores data for dividing a predetermined range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 69 into each winning mode. . In the figure, a1 to a3, b1 to b3, c1 to c3, d1 to d3, e1 to e3, f1 to f3 are preset numerical data, and the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 70 are divided into respective winning modes. Used when This data uses a combination of numerical values “a1 to f1” when the number of inserted medals is one, “a2 to f2” when two, and “a3 to f3” when three. It is done.

  These numerical values are normally set to a magnitude relationship of “a <b <c <d <e <f”, and if the extracted random number value is less than c, a small win prize (small hit) is obtained. In this case, less than a In this case, a request flag per “cherry” is set, a request flag per “gong” is set when a is less than b, and a request flag per “punching ball” is set when b is less than c. Further, if the extracted random number value is not less than c and less than d, a request flag for “re-game” is set. Further, if the extracted random number value is d or more and less than e, it becomes a medium winning prize (medium hit) and a request flag per “RB” is set, and if the extracted random number value is e or more and less than f, a big winning prize ( A big hit) and a request flag per “BB” is set. If it is greater than or equal to f, a request flag for “losing” without winning is set.

  In other words, the winning mode is determined by which numerical value range one sampled random number value belongs to, and is represented by a winning request flag. Here, the random number generator 69, the sampling circuit 70, the winning probability table, and the microcomputer 63 constitute a winning mode determining means.

  The symbol table stored in the ROM 65 is conceptually shown in FIG. This symbol table associates the rotational positions of the reels 2 to 4 with symbols, and represents the symbol sequence shown in FIG. 4 with symbols. In this symbol table, the code numbers sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel on the basis of the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated, and the symbols provided corresponding to the respective code numbers are shown. Symbol code is stored. In the example of the figure, when the first reel 2 stops at the rotational position of the code number “6” from the reference position, a symbol corresponding to the code “B” appears in the center of the display window 5 and above and below it. , Symbols corresponding to the codes “F” and “C” respectively appear.

  The ROM 65 stores a winning symbol combination table (not shown). This winning symbol combination table stores the symbol code of each winning symbol combination shown in FIG. 7, the symbol code of the symbol combination constituting the “reach eye”, the winning determination code representing each winning, the number of winning medal dividends, etc. Has been. Here, the reach is that the occurrence of the B / B game is close to the player when the B / B game flag is already set when the B / B game request signal is generated. The suggested symbol combination. This winning symbol combination table is referred to when the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4 are stopped and when winning confirmation after all reels are stopped.

  Further, the ROM 65 stores a program (sequence program) for executing a game on the slot machine 1.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment controlled by the control circuit described above will be described.

  12 to 14 are flowcharts showing an outline of the game process controlled by the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61.

  First, an initialization process at the start of the game is performed (FIG. 12, step 101). In this initialization process, an effect initialization command is transmitted from the sub-control unit communication port 79 to the sub-control board 62, and communication data between the main control board 61 and the sub-control board 62 is initialized. In addition, when 30 seconds have elapsed since the end of the previous game, a demonstration display command is transmitted from the sub-control unit communication port 79 to the sub-control board 62. The demonstration display command includes a command type representing the demonstration display, and does not include parameter information. When the sub CPU 82 receives this demonstration display command, the sub CPU 82 controls the image control IC 90 to cause the liquid crystal display device 22 to display a demonstration display, an explanation of the game method, and the like.

  Next, a RAM clear process at the end of the game is performed by the main CPU 64 to erase the data stored in the RAM 66 at the end of the previous game (step 102). Next, a replay (replay) occurs as a result of the previous game, and the CPU 64 determines whether or not there is an automatic insertion of medals (step 103). If there is this automatic insertion, next, game medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step 104). On the other hand, if there is no automatic insertion request, the player then inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 8 and inputs a detection signal from the medal sensor 8S, or inserts by operating the stored medal insertion switches 25-27. Wait for a signal to be input (step 105). Up to three medals can be inserted during a general game, and one medal can be inserted in a bonus game during a BB game or an RB game.

  In step 104 and step 105 described above, the game medal insertion information, the sound single effect instruction command, and the error effect instruction command are transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. The game medal insertion information is composed of a command type representing game medal insertion and a parameter representing the number of inserted medal medals. By receiving this game medal insertion information, the sub CPU 82 grasps the number of medals inserted in the current game.

  The sound single effect instruction command is composed of a command type representing a sound single effect instruction and an 8-bit parameter representing sound information, and is transmitted when sound is output from the speaker 96 without depending on the sub CPU 82. Is done. The parameter sound information includes reel non-rotating sound, game medal insertion sound, game medal payout sound, BB winning expected sound 1, BB winning expected sound 2, and the sound information turns on the production of any of these sounds. Or includes instructions to turn off. When the sound control instruction command is received by the sub control board 62, any sound is emitted from the speaker 96 or the sound emitted from the speaker 96 is muted regardless of the control of the sub CPU 82. Is done. In steps 104 and 105 described above, a sound single effect instruction command for emitting a game medal insertion sound from the speaker 96 is transmitted from the main control board 61 to the sub control board 62.

  The error effect instruction command includes a command type indicating the error effect instruction and an 8-bit parameter indicating the error state, and is transmitted when an error is detected or when the error state is canceled. Parameter error information includes inserted medal passage time error, inserted medal passage check error, gaming medal auxiliary storage full error, inserted medal retrograde error, hopper empty error, hopper jam error, and illegal hit error. Includes error state release information indicating that the error state has been released. When the sub CPU 82 receives the error effect instruction command, the sub CPU 82 outputs an error sound from the speaker 96 or silences the sound output from the speaker 96. In addition to the sound control, the sub CPU 82 causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display an error display screen and causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display an error code. In steps 104 and 105 described above, when any of the above-described errors regarding the inserted medal occurs, an error effect instruction command indicating the error state is transmitted from the main control board 61 to the sub-control board 62.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a start signal is input from the start switch 30S by operating the start lever 30 (step 106). If this determination is “YES”, it is then determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game (step 107). If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the game start waiting time is consumed until 4.1 seconds have elapsed (step 108). If the operation of the start lever 30 is performed before the elapse of 4.1 seconds, the above-described sound single effect instruction command is transmitted from the main control board 61 to the sub-control board 62, and a reel non-rotating sound is emitted from the speaker 96. It is done.

  When 4.1 seconds have passed since the previous game, the random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 69 is extracted by the sampling circuit 70 (step 109), and then 1 for counting the above 4.1 seconds. A game monitoring timer is set (step 110). Next, probability lottery processing, that is, winning determination is performed based on the random number extracted in step 109 (step 111 in FIG. 13).

  This probability lottery process is performed according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, and which one random number value specified by the sampling circuit 70 belongs to which winning group in the winning probability table (see FIG. 10). It is done by being judged. That is, first, the cumulative region of probability lottery values secured in the RAM 66 is cleared (FIG. 15, step 131). Next, the winning number 1 is set in the winning number storage area in the RAM 66 (step 132). This winning number is shown in the lottery data table according to gaming state in FIG. 17, and the winning number 1 corresponds to the winning of cherry.

  In the same table, the number of lotteries, the lottery role, and the order are shown for each game state of general game, BB, inside of RB, and general game in BB. In the game state of the general game, the number of lotteries is represented as 6, and each of the lottery roles of cherry, gong, punching ball, re-game, RB, and BB and their order 1 to 6 are represented. The winning numbers correspond to this order, and the order 1 is the winning number 1. Further, in each game state of the BB and RB, and in the general game in the BB, the number of lotteries is represented as 4 times, and the lottery combination and order excluding RB and BB are represented.

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

  Next, the number of medals inserted into the machine is checked (step 138), and then the probability lottery data for one medal is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 66 (step 139). That is, the probability lottery data a1 to f1 when the number of inserted medals is 1 shown in the top row of the winning probability table of FIG. 10 are set. Next, it is determined whether or not the number of inserted medals is one (step 140). If there is one, the process proceeds to the process of step 144 to be described later. The lottery data is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 33 (step 141). That is, the probability lottery data a2 to g2 when the number of inserted medals is 2 shown in the middle row of the winning probability table of FIG. 10 are set. Next, it is determined whether or not the number of medals inserted is two (step 142). If the number is two, the process proceeds to step 144 described later. If the number is not two, probability lottery data for three medals is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 33 (step 143). That is, the probability lottery data a3 to g3 when the number of inserted medals is 3 shown in the bottom row of the winning probability table of FIG. 10 are set.

  Next, each size of the set probability lottery data is added to the probability lottery value accumulation area secured in the RAM 66 (FIG. 16, step 144). This addition is first performed with the size of the probability lottery data as aw, and each time the process returns from step 148 to be described later and this step 144 is performed again, the size of the probability lottery data bw, cw, dw, ew, fw Are sequentially added to the probability lottery value accumulation area. Here, the sizes aw, bw, cw, dw, ew, fw of the probability lottery data are the sizes of the respective sections of the winning mode in the winning probability table, and aw = a, bw = ba, cw = c−. b, dw = dc, ew = ed, and fw = fe. By the first addition performed with the probability lottery data size of aw, the probability lottery value accumulated value D becomes aw.

  Next, the random value specified by the sampling circuit 70 is set to X in the expression XD (step 145). By calculating this formula, it is determined whether or not the winning mode divided by the probability lottery data is won (step 146). That is, it is determined whether the calculation result of X−D is positive or negative. If the calculation result is negative, that is, if the random value X is smaller than the cumulative value D, the specified random number is determined. Belong to the winning mode divided by the probability lottery data. The cumulative value D at the beginning of the process is aw. In this case, when the calculation result is negative, the lottery result is an internal winning for the winning mode divided by a, that is, the small winning of cherry, and the process is step 150 described later. To proceed.

  On the other hand, if the calculation result is positive, 1 is added to the winning number stored in the winning number storage area (step 147). Initially, 1 is set in this winning number storage area in step 132, so that the winning number becomes 2 by this first addition processing in step 147. It is understood that the winning number 2 corresponds to a gong from the table of FIG. Thereafter, each time this process is performed, the winning numbers are counted up as 3, 4, 5,. Next, it is determined whether or not the number of lotteries has reached the specified number of times stored in the lottery number storage area (step 148).

  If the specified number of lotteries have not been completed, the process returns to step 144, and bw, which is the size of the next probability lottery data, is added to the probability lottery value accumulation area. Thereafter, XD is calculated according to the processing of steps 145 and 146, and whether the calculation result is positive or negative is determined. When the size bw of the probability lottery data is added to the probability lottery value accumulated value D by this process, the value of D becomes aw + bw. In this case, when the calculation result is negative, the random number specified by sampling belongs to the winning mode divided by the probability lottery data b, and the lottery result is an internal winning per small gong, and the process will be described later. To step 150.

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

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

  Next, a winning request flag corresponding to the winning number is set (step 150). There are six types of hit request flags: “cherry”, “gong”, “punching ball”, “replay”, “RB”, and “BB”, and one of these hit request flags Is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 66. If any hit request flag is not set, it is “lost”. Here, the winning request flag is set means that the winning mode is internally won.

  The winning request flag is stored in a 1-byte winning request flag storage area secured in the RAM 66 as shown in FIG. For example, when 1 is set in bit 6 of this storage area, it means that the hit request flag is “BB”, and when 1 is set in bit 5, the hit request flag is “RB”. Means. Two types of hit request flags may be set at the same time. For example, when a request flag per BB or a request flag per RB is set, the symbol request corresponding to “BB” or “RB” is stopped and displayed on each reel 2 to 4 in this game. Otherwise, it will be carried over to the next game. For this reason, if the winning mode is determined by the winning mode determining means at the next game of “inside the BB” or “inside the RB”, the small request winning flag is set. Therefore, the winning request flag of “BB” or “RB” and the winning request flag of small winning prize are set at the same time.

  The specific processing from the above steps 144 to 148 is as follows. The range of random numbers to be extracted is 0 to 16384, and the data at the time of betting three pieces in the winning probability table shown in FIG. 10 is shown in FIG. It is done as follows.

  For example, if the random number 4050 is extracted in the general gaming state, X = 4050 and the initial D = 1200 (the size of the cherry hit section data aw), so the calculation of X−D is as follows.

          4050-1200 = 2850 (1)

  Since 2850 of this calculation result is a positive number, the winning number is unsuccessful, and 1 is added to the winning number set to 1, and the winning number is set to 2. Since the specified number of lotteries in the general gaming state is 6, the specified number of lotteries has not ended, and the same process is repeated again. In other words, the size bw of the next gong hit section data is added to the accumulated value D, so that D = 1200 + 1100 = 2300, and the next X−D calculation is performed.

          4050-2300 = 1750 (2)

  Since the calculation result 1750 is also a positive number, the winning number is unsuccessful, and 1 is added to the winning number set to 2, and the winning number is set to 3. Since the specified number of lotteries have not been finished here, the same processing is repeated again. In other words, the size cw of the hit section data of the next punching ball is added to the accumulated value D to obtain D = 2300 + 1800 = 4100, and the next X−D calculation is performed.

          4050-4100 = -50 (3)

  Since this calculation result is a negative number, it is won, the winning number is 3, and the winning mode divided by the probability lottery data c, that is, the small hitting mode for punching balls is won.

  The probability lottery process in step 111 of FIG. 13 is performed as described above. Next, the main CPU 64 performs an effect selection process for selecting an effect pattern to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 (FIG. 13, step 112). Various effect patterns are stored in advance in the ROM 83 of the sub-control board 62 for each game state, and the effect selection process in this step 112 is a pattern in which effect patterns corresponding to the game state at that time are stored in advance. It is performed by selecting suitably from.

  The gaming state is stored in a 1-byte area called gaming state status (gaming state flag) in the RAM 66 shown in FIG. 19A, and the gaming state at that time is indicated by hexadecimal data of 01 to 05. Yes. There are five types of game states stored in this game state status: “RB in operation”, “BB in operation”, “general game”, “inside BB inside”, and “inside RB inside”. is there.

  “RB in operation” represents a gaming state during an RB game. In this RB game, as described above, a bonus game in which a plurality of high payout games are combined can be performed once. “BB in operation” represents a gaming state during the BB game. In the BB game, as described above, the general game and the bonus game can be set a plurality of times. “In general game” represents a game state in which neither BB nor RB winning has occurred, and a small winning prize occurs during this general game.

  “Inside BB hit” indicates a general gaming state in which a predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 2 to 4 and the BB game has not yet been entered, although the BB request flag is set. Yes. “Inside RB hit” indicates a general gaming state in which the RB request flag is set but a predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each reel 2 to 4 and has not yet entered the RB game. Yes.

  In step 112 described above, game start information is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 of the main control board 61 to the main control unit communication port 80 of the sub control board 62.

  The game start information is composed of a command type indicating the start of the game and a 24-bit parameter indicating the hit request flag and the like, and is transmitted after the operation of the start lever 30 is detected and the probability lottery process is performed. . If this parameter is 24 bits from the least significant bit 0 to the most significant bit 23, the request flag is represented by the upper bits 15 to 23. For example, when a bit is set in bit 15, the hit request flag is cherry, and when a bit is set in bit 16, the hit request flag is gong. Similarly, bits 17, 18, 19 , 20 indicates that the hit request flags are punching ball, replay, RB, and BB, respectively.

  When the current gaming state is the general gaming state, the lower bits 0 to 14 of the parameter represent the effect type information selected by the main CPU 64 as a result of the effect selecting process. When the current gaming state is the RB gaming state, the lower bits 0 to 3 of the parameter indicate the number of times that the game can be played (12 to 1), and bits 8 and 9 are operable for the RB game. Number of times (3 to 0). When the current gaming state is the BB gaming state, the lower bits 0 to 4 of the parameter indicate the BB gaming possible number (30 to 1), and the bits 8 and 9 are those in the above RB gaming state. Similarly, the number of possible RB game operations (3 to 0) is represented.

  When the sub CPU 82 receives this game start information, when the current game state is the general game state, the sub CPU 82 outputs a game start sound from the speaker 96 and causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to perform reel rotation display. In addition, during a general game that hits the inside of BB or RB, a sound effect group of chance effects is output from the speaker 96 and the liquid crystal display device 22 is caused to perform a chance effect. When the current gaming state is the RB gaming state, a game start sound and a sound effect group of the RB gaming effect are output from the speaker 96 and the RB gaming effect display is performed on the liquid crystal display device 22. When the current gaming state is the BB gaming state, a game start sound and a sound effect group of the BB gaming effect are output from the speaker 96, and the BB gaming effect and the number of remaining BB games are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. Make a display.

  Next, a predetermined area of the RAM 66 in which the rotational positions of the reels 2 to 4 are written is initialized by the main CPU 64 at the start of the reel rotation, and subsequently, the reels 2 to 4 are rotationally driven by the stepping motor 45. Next, it is determined whether or not any of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is turned on (FIG. 13, step 113). If it is not turned on, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop timer has become zero (step 114). The automatic stop timer is for automatically stopping the reels 2 to 4 after a predetermined time has elapsed when the stop buttons 31 to 33 are not operated for a predetermined time.

  When any one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is turned on or the automatic stop timer becomes 0, the number of symbols to be drawn on the activation line, that is, the number of sliding symbols is determined (step 115). ). The number of sliding symbols is determined from the gaming state, the winning request, the number of control symbols, the symbol position, and the like.

  The gaming state is shown in the gaming state status shown in FIG. 19A, and the winning request is shown by the hit request flag shown in FIG. 19B.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the number of control frames is stored as a table in the ROM 65 in accordance with the order of symbols for which pull-in control is prioritized. The drawing shows a drawing priority order table in the general game. In the general game, the drawing priority order is determined in the order of replay, small hit, BB / RB game. This priority order is a priority order of winning combinations that are drawn preferentially on the activation line. When two types of winning modes are simultaneously requested as described above, or when a winning mode is determined by the winning mode determining means, a winning mode having a higher priority according to this predetermined priority order is used. The pattern according to is preferentially drawn. The number of control frames is the number of frames in the range where pull-in control is possible, and in a general game, each winning combination is set to a maximum of 4 frames.

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

  In determining the number of sliding symbols, first, the current gaming state is referred to, and a priority table corresponding to the gaming state is selected. That is, in the general gaming state, the table shown in FIG. 20 is selected. Next, the control frame number of the winning combination corresponding to the winning request is referred from the selected table. Thereafter, the symbol position at that time is referred to, and the symbol at that time is grasped on the activation line of the first stop reel. If this symbol is not a symbol corresponding to the winning request, it is determined whether or not there is a symbol corresponding to the winning request within the range of the reference control frame number. If the symbol corresponding to the winning request is within the range of the number of control frames, the number of frames from the activation line to the symbol is determined as the number of sliding frames.

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

  At this time, reel stop information is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. The reel stop information includes a command type indicating reel stop and a 24-bit parameter indicating stop reel information, and is transmitted each time the main CPU 64 detects a reel stop of any one reel 2 to 4. If this parameter is 24 bits from the least significant bit 0 to the most significant bit 23, the lower 3 bits from 0 to 2 represent the number of sliding frames (0 to 4). Further, 5 bits of middle bits 8 to 12 represent the positions of the reels 2 to 4 when the stop buttons 31 to 33 are operated. The reel positions correspond to code numbers 1 to 21 in the symbol table (see FIG. 11). The higher 2 bits 16 and 17 indicate the type of the stop reel, that is, whether the stop reel is the first reel 2, the second reel 3, or the third reel 4. When the sub CPU 82 receives the reel stop information, the sub CPU 82 outputs a reel stop sound from the speaker 96 and causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display the reel rotation stop.

  Further, when two of the three reels 2 to 4 are stopped, if the same bonus symbol is stopped (tempered) on the activated pay line, in this step 116, the sub-controller communication A sound single effect instruction command is transmitted from the port 79 to the sub-control board 62. This sound single effect instruction command is the command described in step 104 and step 105 described above, and the sound single effect instruction command transmitted in step 116 has the BB winning expected sound 1 or the BB winning expected sound 2 as a parameter. Including directives. When the sub CPU 82 receives the sound single effect instruction command, the sub CPU 82 outputs the expected BB winning sound 1 or the expected BB winning sound 2 from the speaker 96. Expected winning sound 1 is output when the same bonus symbol “7”, “7” is stopped on the activated winning line, and expected winning sound 2 is the same bonus symbol “upper globe” on the activated winning line. , "Upper Glove" or "Lower Glove", "Lower Glove" is emitted when stopped.

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

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

  For example, when the on operation of the first reel stop button 31 is detected, the drive pulse supplied to the stepping motor 45 of the first reel 2 when the first reel stop button 31 is operated by the player. The number is read from the RAM 66 and associated with the rotational position of the first reel 2. When the rotational position of the first reel 2 is known, three symbols appearing in the observation window 5 are grasped as symbol codes by contrast with the symbol table (see FIG. 11).

  In this case, when the hit request flag for the big hit is set, it is checked whether or not there is a symbol constituting the big hit on the activated pay line of the observation window 5. Similarly, when the hit request flag for medium hit and small hit is set, it is checked whether or not there is a symbol constituting the medium hit or small hit on the validation winning line of the observation window 5. When there is a symbol corresponding to the winning request flag on the activated pay line, the main CPU 64 immediately stops the first reel 2.

  When the symbol corresponding to the winning request flag does not appear on the validation pay line of the observation window 5 by the above check process, the first reel 2 is further rotated by the number of control frames (4 symbols). Check what symbols appear in If there is a symbol corresponding to the hit request flag, the number of sliding frames up to that frame position is reached, and the first reel 2 is rotated by the number of sliding frames and stopped there. This pull-in control process is performed in the same manner during the stop control process of the second reel 3 and the third reel 4 described below.

  Next, when the stop button 32 of the second reel 3 is turned on, a stop control process for the second reel 3 is performed. In this stop control process, it is assumed that 21 symbols of the code numbers 1 to 21 are stopped on the winning line L1 in the center of the observation window 6 while the second reel 3 is rotating. The combination with the symbol of the first reel 2 that has already stopped is read on the winning line. Further, a rotation code indicating that the third reel 4 is rotating is read. Although the second reel 3 is also rotating, since it is assumed that the second reel 3 is stopped by the above processing, it is not read as a rotation code.

  When the symbol code combination is read in this way, the above-described winning symbol combination table is referred to, and the second reel 3 stops at 21 rotational positions with respect to the symbols determined by stopping the first reel 2. At this time, it is sequentially determined what kind of winning is likely to occur on the activated winning line. For example, if the first reel 2 is stopped as shown in FIG. 21A, the symbol combination pattern at that time is checked assuming 21 stop positions of the second reel 3. For example, if the second reel 3 stops at the code number “1” in the center of the observation window 6 as shown in FIG. 5B, the symbols on the winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B The combination is as shown in FIG.

  The arrow on the third reel 4 is a rotation code indicating that the third reel 4 is rotating. However, depending on the stop position of the third reel, there is a possibility that a big hit winning “AAA” may occur on the winning line L3A. . Therefore, for the code number “1” of the second reel 3, a prediction flag for a big hit is set as shown in FIG. The presence or absence of such a prediction flag is checked for all code numbers of the second reel 3, and these data are written into the RAM 66.

  The prediction flag data written in the RAM 66 in this way is referred to at the time of stop control of the second reel 3. In other words, when the stop button 32 of the second reel 3 is operated, the prediction flag corresponding to the code number of the second reel 3 is referred to. The stop control of the second reel 3 is executed so that the symbol of the big hit stops.

  Next, when an on operation of the stop button 33 of the third reel 4 is detected, a stop control process for the third reel 4 is performed. In this stop control process, since the first reel 2 and the second reel 3 are already stopped and the symbol combinations are specified, for each symbol number of the third reel 4 for these symbol combinations. The possibility of winning is determined, and a winning prediction flag is set in the same manner as the table shown in FIG.

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

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

  Next, reel lamp blinking processing after all reels are stopped is performed (FIG. 14, step 118). When the sub CPU 82 receives the all-reel stop information, the sub CPU 82 controls the lamp driving circuit 89 in accordance with the effect pattern selected in the effect selection process in step 112 to control the back lamps 47a, 47b, 47c of the reels 2 to 4. Blink in a predetermined pattern. Next, if a winning has occurred, the WIN lamp 19 is turned on by the main CPU 64 (step 119).

  Next, a winning search process is performed by the main CPU 64 (step 120). In this winning search process, the type of winning flag indicating the combination of symbols actually arranged on the activated winning line is matched with the type of winning request flag determined by the probability lottery process. Next, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step 121). If this determination result is not normal, for example, if the combination of gong symbols is aligned on the activated pay line but the winning request flag is a cherry flag, an illegal error is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. (Step 122).

  This error display is performed by transmitting an error effect instruction command from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. This error effect instruction command is the same as that described in step 104 and step 105. In step 122, an error effect instruction command indicating an illegal hit error is transmitted as a parameter.

  If the winning flag is normal, the game medal is stored or paid out according to the state at that time (step 123). That is, in a state where a game is played with credits, the number of credits displayed on the stored number display unit 16 is increased by the number of medals acquired by winning, and a game is played by inserting medals into the insertion slot 8. In this state, the number of medals obtained by winning a prize is paid out to the tray 34.

  In step 123, the winning information is transmitted from the sub-control unit communication port 79 to the sub-control board 62. This winning information is composed of a command type representing winning and a 24-bit parameter representing winning information, and is transmitted after all reels 2 to 4 are stopped and a winning search is performed. The lower 4 bits of 0 to 3 bits of the 24-bit parameter represent the type of the symbol that generated the BB game in the general game, and represent the jack game winning possible number (8 to 1) in the RB game. Further, the upper 4 bits 4 to 7 indicate the number of medals to be paid out, and the upper 5 bits 8 to 12 indicate the type of the winning line in which the winning symbol combinations are arranged. Further, the higher bits 13 to 24 indicate the type of the hit request flag set in the probability lottery process in step 111.

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is operating the BB game or the RB game (step 124). If the BB game or the RB game is not in operation, the game processing by the main CPU 64 returns to step 102, and the next new game is started. If the BB game or RB game is in operation, the number of games in the BB game or RB game is checked by the main CPU 64 (step 125).

  In this step 125, a bonus gaming state change instruction command is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. This bonus game state change instruction command is composed of a command type indicating a bonus game state change instruction and an 8-bit parameter indicating a bonus game state. When the RB game is ended, the RB game is ended during the BB game, Alternatively, it is transmitted at the end of the BB game. The parameters are: RB game is completed and RB game is normally ended, second RB game in BB game is ended, first RB game in BB game is ended, two RB It represents status information indicating whether the game has been completed and the BB game has ended normally, or whether the BB game has been ended by puncturing before shifting to the second RB game. When receiving the bonus game state change instruction command, the sub CPU 82 mutes the RB operation sound output from the speaker 96 or outputs the BB operation sound. At the same time, the sub CPU 82 causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display a BB game effect display or a BB end effect display.

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is at the end of the BB game (step 126). If the BB game is over, a RAM clear process at the end of the BB game is performed on the RAM 66 (step 127). Thereafter, the game process returns to step 102 and the next new game is started. If it is not at the end of the BB game in step 126, the game process returns to step 102 and the next new game is started.

  In the RAM clear process of step 127, the operation information at the end of BB is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62. This action information is composed of a command type indicating the action at the end of the BB and an 8-bit parameter indicating the state information. When the game becomes possible after the end of the BB game, the automatic adjustment is set. Sent when set to stop or set to stop. When a bit is set at the least significant bit 0, the parameter indicates a settlement operation, and when a bit is set at bit 1, it indicates a cancellation operation. When the sub CPU 82 receives the operation information at the end of the BB, the sub CPU 82 outputs a medal payout sound or a stop sound from the speaker 96.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing processing controlled by the sub CPU 82 of the sub control board 62.

  The sub CPU 82 repeatedly analyzes the command transmitted from the main control board 61 and received by the main control unit communication port 88. This command is the above-described command that is appropriately transmitted by the main CPU 64 via the sub-control unit communication port 79 in each process in the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the received command analysis process performed by the sub CPU 82 when the game start command transmitted in step 112 (see FIG. 13) of the main flow is received. is there.

  When the sub CPU 82 receives the game start command, first, the non-game state monitoring timer 97 is set, and the timer 97 starts counting the elapsed time from the game start timing (step 161). In addition to the timer setting process, the sub CPU 82 sets the sound volume adjustment process shown in FIG. 25 as an interruption process every time a fixed time elapsed by the timer 97, for example, every 10 seconds.

  Next, based on the received game start command, the sub CPU 82 determines whether the current gaming state is BB operation or RB operation (step 162). If the BB is not operating or the RB is not operating, the sub CPU 82 proceeds to step 165 to be described later. If the BB is operating or the RB is operating, the sub CPU 82 next outputs from the speaker 96. It is determined whether or not the volume of the game sound being played is maximum (MAX) (step 163). If the volume of the game sound is maximum, the process proceeds to step 165. If the volume of the game sound is not maximum, that is, if the volume has been lowered or muted in the previous game, The volume is set to the maximum and a bonus operating sound is emitted (step 164). Next, the sub CPU 83 causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to perform the image effect according to the gaming state at that time (step 165).

  In the sound volume adjustment interruption process shown in FIG. 25, the sub CPU 82 first determines whether or not a game sound (bonus operation sound) is currently being output from the speaker 96 (step 171). When the sound is not being output, the interruption process is terminated. When the sound is being output, the sub CPU 82 next reads the non-game state monitoring timer 97 and 30 seconds from the start timing of the current game. It is determined whether or not the above has elapsed (step 172). If 30 seconds or more have not elapsed, the sub CPU 82 sets the volume of the game sound output from the speaker 96 to the maximum (MAX) and outputs the sound (step 173). Thereafter, the interrupt process is terminated.

  If 30 seconds or more have elapsed in step 172, the sub CPU 82 then determines whether or not 60 seconds or more have elapsed since the start timing of the current game (step 174). If 60 seconds or more have not elapsed, the sub CPU 82 reduces the volume of the game sound output from the speaker 96 by one level and outputs the sound (step 175). Thereafter, the interrupt process is terminated.

  If 60 seconds or more have elapsed in step 174, then the sub CPU 82 determines whether 90 seconds or more have elapsed since the start timing of the current game (step 176). If 90 seconds or more have not elapsed, the sub CPU 82 lowers the volume of the game sound output from the speaker 96 by one level and outputs it (step 177). Thereafter, the interrupt process is terminated. On the other hand, if 90 seconds or more have elapsed in step 176, the sub CPU 82 next mutes the game sound output from the speaker 96 (step 178).

  As a result, the bonus sound output from the speaker 96 changes as shown in the graphs of FIGS. In the graph, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents volume. That is, as shown in the graph of (a), the bonus sound starts to be output when the BB game (or RB game) is started, and is continuously output during the bonus game. Yes. Here, for example, when a game is interrupted to leave the game table or to move the acquired medal to the dollar box, time elapses without playing the game.

  At this time, the above-described sound volume adjustment interruption process is performed by the sub CPU 82 as described above, and when 30 seconds have not elapsed since the previous game start, the bonus operation sound output from the speaker 96 is step 173. In the process of (a), the maximum is set as shown in the graph of (a). However, when 30 seconds have elapsed since the previous game start, the bonus operating sound output from the speaker 96 is lowered by one step as shown in the graph of (a) in the process of step 175. Further, when 60 seconds have elapsed since the last game start, the bonus operating sound output from the speaker 96 is further lowered by one step as shown in the graph of (a) in the process of step 177.

  Finally, when 90 seconds have elapsed since the previous game start, the bonus operating sound output from the speaker 96 is muted as shown in the graph of FIG. After 90 seconds, as shown in the graph of (b), the mute state is continued until the next game is set as a star, and when the next game is started, the bonus operation sound is again maximized from the speaker 96. Sound is output at volume.

  In other words, according to the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a BB game or an RB game is being played, when a state in which no game is played is detected by the state detection means including the non-game state monitoring timer 97 or the like. The volume of the bonus operating sound that is continuously output from the speaker 96 is gradually lowered according to the elapsed time, and is finally muted. For this reason, according to the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a large game sound is output from the speaker 96 even though the player leaves the gaming machine and no game is played on the gaming machine. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience that a loud game sound continues to be output from the speaker 96 even when the game is not being played while continuing or moving the acquired medal to the dollar box. .

  In the description of the above embodiment, when a state in which no game is played is detected during the BB game or the RB game, the volume of the bonus operating sound output from the speaker 96 is stepwise. And finally, the sound was muted. However, if a state in which no game is played is detected while a BB game or an RB game is being played, the sound is muted by simply lowering the volume of the bonus operating sound output from the speaker 96 to the minimum volume step by step. Alternatively, it may be configured so that it does not, or it may simply be lowered to the minimum volume. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which is made to mute suddenly, when the state where the game is not played is detected. Even with each of these configurations, a large game sound continues to be output from the speaker 96 even though the game is not being played on the game table, and the surrounding players are bothered, or the players themselves are large. It is possible to prevent situations such as being bothered by game sounds.

  In the above embodiment, the detection of the non-gaming state by the state detecting means including the non-gaming state monitoring timer 97 is determined based on the game start timing when the start lever 30 is operated. The game start timing may be based on the timing at which medals are inserted. Further, the non-game state may be detected based on the game end timing such as the stop timing of all the reels 2 to 4 and the medal payout processing timing.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 27 shows an example of a received command analysis process performed by the sub CPU 82 when the non-game state is detected based on all stop timings of the reels 2 to 4. This received command analysis process is a game sound volume adjustment process performed in the subflow shown in FIG. 23 in the above-described embodiment. Processing other than the game sound volume adjustment is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

  When the all-reel stop command transmitted in step 117 (see FIG. 13) of the main flow is received, the sub CPU 82 first determines whether the current gaming state is BB operation or RB operation. Is discriminated (step 181 in FIG. 27). When the BB operation or the RB operation is not performed, the sub CPU 82 ends the all reel stop command analysis process. If the BB operation or the RB operation is in progress, the sub CPU 82 then determines whether or not a game medal insertion command has been received from the main board 61 (step 182). This game medal insertion command is transmitted from the main board 61 when the player inserts a medal into the insertion slot 8 in order to play the next game after the reels 2 to 4 are completely stopped. 104 and 105 (see FIG. 12).

  If the game medal insertion command has not been received, the sub CPU 82 next determines whether or not the non-game state monitoring timer 97 has already been set (step 183). If not set, the non-game state monitoring timer 97 is set, and the timer 97 starts counting the elapsed time from the stop timing of all reels (step 184). If the non-game state monitoring timer 97 has already been set in step 183, or if the non-game state monitoring timer 97 has been set in step 184, the sub CPU 82 next displays an image corresponding to the game state at that time. The production is performed on the liquid crystal display device 22 as described above (step 185). Thereafter, sound volume adjustment processing is performed (step 186).

  This sound volume adjustment process is shown in the flowchart of FIG. Steps 191 to 198 in this flowchart are substantially the same as steps 171 to 178 in the sound volume adjustment processing flowchart shown in FIG. The difference between these flowcharts is that the reference for counting the elapsed time by the non-game state monitoring timer 97 is the reel total stop timing as shown in steps 192, 194, and 196 in the flowchart of FIG. In the flowchart, as shown in steps 172, 174, and 176, it is a game start timing.

  Step 182 to step 186 are repeatedly processed until a game medal insertion command is received in step 182 of FIG. 27, so that the sound volume adjustment processing in step 186 is used as a reference for the total stop timing of reels 2 to 4. The game volume is maximized until 30 seconds elapse (FIG. 28, steps 192 and 193). Then, the game volume is lowered by one step until 30 seconds have passed and 60 seconds have passed (steps 194 and 195), and the game volume is further lowered by one step until 60 seconds have passed and 90 seconds have passed (step 194). 194, 195), 90 seconds later, the game sound is muted (step 198).

  When the game medal insertion command is received in step 182 of FIG. 27, the sub CPU 187 next clears the non-game state monitoring timer 97 (step 187), and the game sound output from the speaker 96 It is determined whether or not the sound volume is maximum (MAX) (step 188). If the volume of the game sound is maximum, the process is terminated, and if the volume of the game sound is not maximum, that is, if the volume is lowered or muted in the previous game, the game sound volume is maximized. And a bonus operation sound is emitted (step 189), and the process is terminated.

  Thus, the reference for detecting the non-game state can be set at an arbitrary timing.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the timer constituting the state detecting means is the non-game state monitoring timer 97 provided exclusively has been described. However, one game time (used in step 110 of the main flow ( It is also possible to use a single game monitoring timer that counts 4.1 seconds).

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the game state which a sound output means outputs a game sound continuously and alert | reports to a player was made into a bonus game, it is not limited to this. In a slot machine called a CT (challenge time) machine, when a certain condition is satisfied and a CT game is started, for example, a part of reels such as a first reel is controlled to display and stop a symbol for a small winning prize mode. The stop position of the first reel that is interrupted and rotated is determined only in accordance with the timing of the player's stop button operation. For example, the CT game in this CT machine may be in a gaming state in which the sound output means informs the player.

  In the above embodiment, the control circuit is divided into the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62, the control circuit for the speaker 96 and the non-game state monitoring timer 97 are provided on the sub control board 62, and the state is detected by the sub CPU 82. The case where the means, the sound output means, and the sound output control means are configured has been described. However, the control circuit is composed only of the main control board 61, the control circuit for the speaker 96 and the non-game state monitoring timer 97 are provided on the main control board 61, and the state detection means, sound output means and sound output control means are provided by the main CPU 64. You may make it comprise.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, a pinball game machine, or an arrangement ball game machine. Is possible.

  Even in the case where a gaming machine is realized with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

It is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the inside of the device when the front door of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which a winning line written on a display window of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 is sequentially activated. FIG. 4 shows symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rotary reel unit of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the rotation reel which comprises the rotation reel unit shown in FIG. FIG. 25 shows symbol combinations drawn on a payout display section of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration configured on a main control board of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration configured on a sub-control board of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows notionally the winning probability table used for this embodiment. It is a figure which shows notionally the symbol table used for this embodiment. 4 is a first flowchart showing an outline of a processing operation by a main CPU of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. 12 is a second flowchart showing an outline of a processing operation by the main CPU of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. It is a 3rd flowchart which shows the outline of the processing operation by main CPU of the slot machine by this embodiment. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the lottery data table classified by game state used in the case of the probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing specific data of a winning probability table shown in FIG. 10. It is a figure which shows the content of the storage area ensured in RAM of the slot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the drawing priority table used for the game processing of the slot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relationship of symbol codes assigned to each rotary reel and read in the gaming process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hit prediction flag table used for the game process of the slot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation by a sub CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when a game start command is received by a sub CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart showing a sound volume adjustment interrupt processing operation by a sub CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which shows the change of the speaker volume by the sound volume adjustment interruption process shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a received command analysis process by a sub CPU when detecting a non-game state based on all reel stop timings in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the sound volume adjustment process performed by the received command analysis process shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Slot machine 2, 3, 4 ... Reel 5, 6, 7 ... Display window 8 ... Medal slot 9-12 ... Chance LED
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13-15 ... Game operation | movement display lamp 16 ... Stored number display part 17 ... Start lamp 18 ... Bonus count display part 19 ... WIN lamp 20 ... Dividend number display part 21 ... Insert lamp 22 ... Liquid crystal display device 23 ... Cross key 24 ... A Button 25 ... B button 26-28 ... Stored medal insertion switch 29 ... Stored medal settlement switch 30 ... Start lever 31, 32, 33 ... Stop button 34 ... Medal tray 35 ... Medal payout port

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine configured to include a winning mode determining unit that determines a winning mode by random number lottery, and a sound output unit that continuously outputs a game sound and informs the player of the current gaming state.
A state detecting means for detecting a state in which no operation by the player has been performed for a predetermined period, and a continuous output by the sound output means when the state in which an operation by the player has not been performed for a predetermined period is detected by the state detecting means. A sound output control means for reducing the sound volume, and a liquid crystal display device that performs image effects according to the gaming state at that time while the sound output volume is continuously reduced by the sound control means. A gaming machine characterized by

Images