JP2006230665A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing a player to hold an expectation to a random number value extracted in a unit game till a next unit game or later. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with random number value extraction means (for example, a main control circuit 71, a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37) extracting a random number value based on the detection of a signal for commanding the start of the unit game, a random number storage means (for example, a random number storage area of a RAM) storing the random number values extracted by the random number value extraction means at least till the next unit game or later, a performance information determination means (for example, a sub control circuit 72 to be described) determining performance information based on the stored random number, and performance information output means (for example, the sub control circuit 72, a liquid crystal display device 5, speakers 21L and 21R, an LED 101 and a lamp 102) outputting the determined performance information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are drawn on each peripheral surface, and a plurality of reels corresponding to each of these reels are provided, and some of the plurality of symbols drawn on the peripheral surface of each reel Based on a display window that displays symbols, a stepping motor that individually rotates each reel, and operations by the player to insert medals and coins into the insertion slot and BET button operations (hereinafter referred to as “insertion operation”) And a medal sensor or BET switch that outputs a signal designating the number of medals or coins to be inserted in a unit game, and a start lever operation by a player (hereinafter referred to as a medals or coins) Based on the “start operation”), a plurality of start switches for outputting a signal for instructing the start of rotation of all reels and a plurality of switches corresponding to each reel are provided. The operation of the stepping motor, which controls the operation of the stop switch that outputs a signal to stop the rotation of each reel based on the operation of the push button (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”), and the result of the rotation and stop of all the reels A gaming machine (so-called “pachi-slot”) having a control unit that determines a game result (that is, a player's winning or losing) by a combination of symbols displayed on an active line in a display window is known. Yes.

  Currently, a mainstream gaming machine performs an internal lottery based on a lottery table and random number sampling when a start operation for starting a unit game is performed. This internal lottery is performed by determining to which random value range the random number values obtained by random number sampling belong to the lottery table. Then, the reel rotation is stopped based on the result of the internal lottery based on the extracted random number value (hereinafter referred to as “winning combination”) and the timing of the stop operation by the player. At this time, when a stop operation of each reel is performed at a timing at which a symbol corresponding to the determined winning combination can be displayed on the effective line, the rotation of the reel is stopped so that the symbol is drawn on the effective line. Take control. For this reason, even if the aforementioned internal lottery is performed and the winning combination related to the player's profit is determined, if the stop operation is not performed at an appropriate timing, the corresponding symbol combination is not displayed, The player is required to have a predetermined technique (so-called “promotion”) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Even if the player performs a stop operation at an appropriate timing to display a desired combination of symbols, the combination of symbols may be displayed if the winning combination is not determined. Absent.

Such gaming machines are mainly provided with a display device for displaying an image, a speaker for outputting sound effects and music, a lamp for outputting light, and the like. Then, based on the effect information determined by the control unit according to the game program, an effect related to the game is performed by a display device, a speaker, a lamp, and the like. Among them, there is known a technique in which production information is determined based on a winning combination, and a production image that constitutes a story is displayed on a display device so as to produce a production relevant to a plurality of unit games. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). Thereby, the player can perceive the winning combination from the effect to be performed, and the interest for the game is improved.
Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 3-72313 JP 2001-286600 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, when the combination of symbols displayed on the active line is not a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination desired by the player, the winning combination desired by the player this time It turns out that it was not decided in the unit game, and the expectation is lowered. In other words, in the conventional gaming machine, the random number value extracted in the unit game is always used to determine the winning combination in the unit game. The unit game could not be maintained.

  In addition, in the conventional gaming machine described above, an effect is performed based on the winning combination determined in the unit game. Therefore, when the performed effect is not the desired effect of the player, the player can select the desired winning combination. However, it was found that it was not decided in this unit game, and this lowered the expectation. Also in this case, the expectation for the random value extracted in the unit game cannot be maintained in the unit game after the next time.

  Further, in the above-described conventional gaming machine, when a specific winning combination such as a so-called bonus game is determined and the player cannot perform an appropriate stop operation, a predetermined loss mode (so-called “losing” mode) "Reach eyes") may be displayed. In a unit game where an effect based on a specific winning role is performed, if the player can detect that a specific winning character is determined from this reach, etc., he / she is interested in the effect that will be performed in the next and subsequent unit games. There was also a problem of a drop.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of maintaining a sense of expectation for a random value extracted in a unit game in the next unit game.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following.

  Symbol display means (for example, display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, which will be described later), reels 3L, 3C, which will be described later, which display a plurality of symbols (for example, symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of reels 3L, 3C, 3R which will be described later). 3R) and a unit game based on the detection of the start operation (for example, the minimum from the start of rotation of reels 3L, 3C, 3R described later until the rotation of reels 3L, 3C, 3R stops and the combination of symbols is displayed. A start signal output means (for example, a start switch 6S described later) for outputting a signal for instructing the start of a unit game, and a random value for extracting a random value based on detection of the signal output by the start signal output means Extracted by an extraction means (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later, a random number generator 36 described later, a sampling circuit 37 described later, and a process in step S41 in FIG. 10 described later) and the random value extraction means. Random value storage means (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later, a random value storage area of a RAM 33 described later, a process in step S42 of FIG. 10 described later) for storing a random value at least until the next unit game, and the random value The winning combination is determined based on the random value stored in the storage means and a table (for example, a probability lottery table in FIG. 7 described later) that defines a range of random values in which the winning combination (for example, internal winning combination) is determined. Based on the detection of the signal output by the winning combination determining means (for example, the main control circuit 71 described later, the probability lottery processing of FIG. 11 described later) and the start signal output means, the symbol display means Performed by the symbol changing means (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later, processing in step S11 of FIG. 8 described later) and a symbol changing means based on detection of a stop operation. By stop signal output means (for example, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, which will be described later) for outputting a signal for instructing stop of pattern variation, detection of a signal output by the stop signal output means, and the winning combination determining means Stop control means (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later, processing from step S14 to step S16 in FIG. 8 described later) for stopping and controlling the variation of symbols performed by the symbol changing means based on the determined winning combination; At least production information determining means (for example, an after-mentioned sub-data) for determining the production information (for example, production data for displaying the production shown in FIG. 16 described later) based on the random number value stored by the random number storage means. The control circuit 72, the processing in step S134 of FIG. 15 described later), and the effect information output hand that outputs the effect information determined by the effect information determining means A gaming machine comprising a stage (for example, a sub-control circuit 72, a liquid crystal display device 5, speakers 21L and 21R, an LED 101, and a lamp 102).

  According to this gaming machine, the random number value extracted in the unit game can be used when determining the winning combination in at least the next unit game, so the player's expectation for the random number value extracted in the unit game The feeling can be maintained in the unit game after the next time. In addition, since the effect information determined based on the stored random number value is output, the player's interest in the effect of the player can be maintained without the player being perceived as the winning combination from the reach, for example.

  In the gaming machine, it is determined whether or not the random number value stored in the random value storage means belongs to a specific random value range (for example, a random value range assigned to each internal winning combination in the probability lottery table described later). Determining means (for example, a main control circuit 71 to be described later, processing in step S133 in FIG. 15 to be described later), and the effect information determining means is determined to belong to the specific random value range by the determining means. In this case, the game machine is characterized by determining specific effect information (for example, effect information for displaying an effect shown in FIG. 16 described later).

  According to this gaming machine, when the stored random number value belongs to the specific random value range, the specific effect information is output, so that the player stores the random value belonging to the specific random value range. Can be detected, and the player's sense of expectation for random values belonging to this specific random value range can be maintained in the unit game after the next time.

  In the gaming machine, a combination of specific symbols (for example, red 7-red 7-red 7, which is a combination of symbols related to BB described later, and BAR-BAR, which is a combination of symbols related to RB described later) by the symbol display means. -BAR) is displayed, an advantageous state operating means (for example, a main control circuit 71 to be described later, to be described later) for operating a gaming state advantageous to the player (for example, a general gaming state during BB described later, a BB gaming state described later). The processing of step S23 of FIG. 8) is further performed, and the specific random value range is determined by the winning combination (for example, BB described later) related to the combination of the specific symbols in the table (for example, probability lottery table described later). Random value range in which RB (to be described later) is determined (for example, random value range “5215 to 5264” in which BB to be described is determined, and random value range “5265 to 5314” in which RB to be described is determined) Gaming machine, characterized in that it.

  According to this gaming machine, in at least the next unit game or later, it becomes possible to determine a winning combination related to a specific symbol combination by using a random value belonging to a specific random value range, Since it is possible to activate a gaming state advantageous to the player by displaying a combination of specific symbols by the stop operation, it is advantageous to the player at least in the next unit game by outputting specific performance information It is possible to detect that the game state can be operated, and to maintain the unit game after the next time while improving the player's expectation.

  In any one of the above gaming machines, the random value storage means stores a plurality of areas for storing the random value extracted by the random value extraction means (for example, an area 1 to an area 8 in a random value storage area of the RAM 33 described later). And the random number values extracted by the random value extraction means are sequentially stored in the plurality of areas, and the winning combination determining means stores the random number values sequentially stored in the plurality of areas by the random number value storage means. A game machine, wherein the winning combination is determined based on the read random number value and the table.

  According to this gaming machine, the random number value extracted in the unit game is stored by sequentially storing the extracted random value in a plurality of areas, and reading the random number value sequentially stored in the plurality of areas to determine the winning combination. Can be used when determining a winning combination in at least the next unit game. Thereby, the player's expectation with respect to the random number value extracted in the unit game can be maintained in the unit game after the next time. For example, the random value storage means stores the random value extracted by the random value extraction means in a predetermined storage start area (for example, an area 8 described later), and starts the predetermined storage every time a unit game is performed. The random number value stored in the area is sequentially shifted to a predetermined reading start area (for example, area 1 described later) in a predetermined order (for example, the order of area 8 to be described later), and the winning combination determining means When the random number value transferred to the predetermined read start area is read by the random number value storage means and the winning combination is determined based on the read random number value and the table, the predetermined random number start area is determined from the predetermined storage start area. Since the random number value can be stored for the number of unit games required to transfer the random number value to the reading start area of the player, the player's random number value extracted in the unit game can be stored. A sense of waiting can be maintained even in the unit game of the next time.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, since the random number value extracted in the unit game is used at least in determining the winning combination in the next unit game, the sense of expectation for the random value extracted in the unit game is expected. Can be maintained in the unit game after the next time.

  The configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a cabinet 1a that houses reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 3) described later, and the like, and a front door 1b that is attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. .

  Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. On the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols is drawn on each outer peripheral surface. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled by a later-described main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 3) so as to rotate at a constant speed (for example, 80 revolutions / minute), and the symbols drawn on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R Fluctuates with the rotation of the reel.

  Further, the front door 1b is formed with a panel display portion 2 as a substantially vertical surface. In the center of the panel display portion 2, vertically long rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are arranged in front of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. It is provided so that it may be located in. The symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be observed through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 receives a winning that serves as a reference for determining success or failure of winning based on the symbols displayed in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. A line is provided. As the winning lines, a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d are provided in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e are provided in the oblique direction.

  The five winning lines 8a to 8e are basically operated by operating a 1-BET button 11, a 2-BET button 12, and a maximum BET button 13 which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal slot 22. Each one, three, and five are activated (hereinafter, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated line). Which winning line is activated is displayed by turning on BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c, which will be described later. The determination of the display combination, which will be described later, is performed based on the combination of symbols displayed along this effective line.

  A 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, and a maximum BET lamp 9c are provided on the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are unit games (for example, one game from the start of reel rotation until the reel rotation stops and a game result is obtained). The lighting is performed according to the number of medals inserted to perform (that is, the number of inserted medals). The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the number of inserted sheets is one and one winning line 8c is activated. The 2-BET lamp 9b is turned on when the number of inserted sheets is two and the three pay lines 8b, 8c, 8d are activated. The maximum BET lamp 9c is turned on when the inserted number is three and all the winning lines 8a to 8e are activated.

  An information display section 18 is provided below the BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c. The information display unit 18 is composed of 7 segment LEDs, and the number of medals stored (so-called “credit”) in the gaming machine 1 and the number of medals to be paid out to the player (hereinafter referred to as “paid out number”). Etc. are displayed.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. On the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5, information related to the game is displayed.

  On the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a medal slot 22 is provided. The above-described winning line is activated according to the medal inserted into the medal slot 22. In the gaming machine 1, medals are used as gaming media, but the gaming media used in the gaming machine 1 are not limited to this, and a card storing information such as the number of medals in addition to coins, gaming balls or tokens. Etc. are also applicable.

  On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a 1-BET button 11, a 2-BET button 12, and a maximum BET button 13 are provided for inserting medals from credited medals. The 1-BET button 11 is inserted with one of the credited medals by a single pressing operation. The 2-BET button 12 is inserted with two of the credited medals by a single pressing operation. The maximum BET button 13 is a single push operation, and three of the credited medals {that is, the maximum number that can be inserted in a unit game (hereinafter referred to as “maximum number of inserted sheets”)} Is inserted. By operating these BET buttons 11, 12, and 13, the above-described winning line is activated.

  An operation unit 17 including a cross key, a selection button, and a determination button is provided above the BET buttons 11, 12, and 13. Based on the operation of the operation unit 17 by the player, information related to the game such as a game history is displayed on the display screen 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  A C / P button 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch between credit (Credit) / payout (Pay) of medals acquired by the player in the game. The payout mode or the credit mode is switched by the player's operation on the C / P button 14. In the credit mode, when a winning is established, medals for the number of payouts corresponding to the winning are credited. In the payout mode, when a winning is established, medals corresponding to the payout are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the medals paid out from the medal payout opening 15 are stored in the medal receiving section 16. .

  Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16. From the speakers 21L and 21R, a production sound, a notification sound, or the like corresponding to the game situation is emitted.

  A start lever 6 is provided on the right side of the C / P button 14 to rotate the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a start operation and to start changing the symbols displayed on the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Yes.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by a stop operation are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5, respectively. Is provided. Here, when the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating, the first stop of the rotation of the reels is referred to as a first stop, which is performed after the first stop and the two reels are rotated. The second stop of the rotation of the reel that is performed when the operation is performed is referred to as the second stop, which is performed after the second stop, and is performed last when the rotation of the remaining one reel is performed. Stopping the rotation of the reel is referred to as a third stop.

  Moreover, LED101 and the lamp | ramp 102 are provided in the upper part of the front door 1b. The LED 101 and the lamp 102 emit light in a light emission pattern according to the game situation, and effects and notifications are performed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the symbol sequence arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described. A reel sheet is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, and a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols are arranged on the reel sheet is drawn. Specifically, a symbol sequence composed of symbols of red 7 (symbol 61), BAR (symbol 62), watermelon (symbol 63), bell (symbol 64), cherry (symbol 65), and replay (symbol 66). Is drawn.

  Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. In addition, a code number “00 to 20” for specifying the position of each symbol is predetermined for each symbol, and stored as a data table in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 described later with reference to FIG. ing.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the gaming machine 1 including a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, the sub control circuit 72, the main control circuit 71 or the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG. To do. The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 and ROM 32 and RAM 33 which are storage means.

  A clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 are connected to the CPU 31. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate a reference clock pulse. Based on the generated reference clock pulse, a periodic interrupt process (see FIG. 9) every 1.1 msec, which will be described later, is performed. The random number generator 36 generates a certain range of random numbers (for example, 0 to 16383). The sampling circuit 37 extracts (samples) one random number value from the random number generated by the random number generator 36. Further, in the gaming machine 1, random numbers extracted in the unit game are stored in a random value storage area of the RAM 33 described later at least until the next unit game (until eight unit games described later are performed). Then, by using random numbers accumulated in the random value storage area of the RAM 33 for each unit game, a probability lottery process described later is performed, and predetermined information (for example, an internal winning combination described later) is stored. Make a decision. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 transmits a program related to the processing of the CPU 31 (for example, see FIGS. 8 to 11 described later), various tables (for example, see FIGS. 5 to 7 described later), and the sub control circuit 72. Various control commands (commands) are stored.

  Various information obtained by the processing of the CPU 31 is set in the RAM 33. For example, information specifying the extracted random number value, gaming state, payout number, etc. is set. These pieces of information are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 by the aforementioned command.

  In the circuit of FIG. 3, the BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, the information display unit 18, the hopper 40, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R and the like are principal actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30. is there.

  In addition, each circuit for controlling the operation of each actuator described above is connected to the output unit of the microcomputer 30 in response to a control signal output from the CPU 31. Each circuit includes a motor drive circuit 39, a lamp drive circuit 45, a display unit drive circuit 48, and a hopper drive circuit 41.

  The lamp driving circuit 45 controls driving of the BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c. Thereby, the BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c are turned on and off.

  The display unit driving circuit 48 drives and controls the information display unit 18. As a result, various information (such as the number of credits) is displayed on the information display unit 18.

  The hopper drive circuit 41 drives and controls the hopper 40. Thereby, the medal accommodated in the hopper 40 is paid out.

  The motor drive circuit 39 drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. As a result, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated or stopped.

  Also, each switch and each circuit for generating an input signal that triggers outputting a control signal to each circuit and each actuator described above are connected to the input section of the microcomputer 30. Each switch and each circuit includes a start switch 6S, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, 1-BET switch 11S, 2-BET switch 12S, maximum BET switch 13S, C / P switch 14S, medal sensor 22S, reel position detection. There are a circuit 50 and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects a player's start operation on the start lever 6 and outputs a signal instructing the start of the unit game to the microcomputer 30.

  The stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS detect the player's stop operation on the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, respectively, and stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the detected stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. A command signal is output to the microcomputer 30.

  The 1-BET switch 11S, the 2-BET switch 12S and the maximum BET switch 13S detect the player's input operation on the 1-BET button 11, the 2-BET button 12 and the maximum BET button 13, respectively, and from the credited medal A signal that instructs insertion of one, two, or three medals is output to the microcomputer 30.

  The C / P switch 14 </ b> S detects a player switching operation on the C / P button 14 and outputs a signal for switching the credit mode or the payout mode to the microcomputer 30. When the credit mode is switched to the payout mode, a signal for instructing the payout of medals credited to the gaming machine 1 is output to the microcomputer 30.

  The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 by the player's insertion operation, and outputs a signal indicating that a medal has been inserted to the microcomputer 30.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 detects a pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and generates a signal for detecting the position of the symbol on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The payout completion signal circuit 51 indicates that the payout of medals is completed when the number of medals detected by the medal detection unit 40S (that is, the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number. Generate a signal.

  The sub control circuit 72 performs various processes (such as determination and execution of effect contents) based on various commands (such as a start command described later) output from the main control circuit 71. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the sub control circuit 72 include the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, the LED 101, and the lamp 102. The sub-control circuit 72 determines and displays an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined content of the effect, determines and outputs the lighting pattern of the LED 101 and the lamp 102, and the effect sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R. Determine and output sound effects.

  Further, the operation unit 17 and the volume control unit 103 are connected to the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 displays an image corresponding to the information determined by the signal output from the operation unit 17 on the liquid crystal display device 5. Further, the sub control circuit 72 adjusts the volume output from the speakers 21L and 21R based on the signal output from the volume control unit 103.

  In the gaming machine 1, when a signal is output from the start switch 6S that starts the unit game on condition that a medal is inserted, a control signal is output to the motor drive circuit 39, and drive control of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R is performed. The rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started by (for example, excitation to each phase). At this time, the number of pulses output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 as a pulse counter. In the gaming machine 1, when 16 pulses are output, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R move by one symbol. The number of symbols moved is counted, and the counted value is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 as a symbol counter. That is, every time 16 pulses are counted by the pulse counter, the symbol counter is updated by one.

  A reel index is obtained from the reels 3L, 3C, 3R every rotation and is output to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The pulse counter and symbol counter set in the RAM 33 are cleared to 0 by the output of the reel index. In this way, the symbol position within one rotation range is specified for each reel 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Here, in the ROM 32, a symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. Yes. In this symbol table, with reference to the position where the reel index is output as a reference, the code numbers 00 to 20 which are sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, and the respective code numbers A symbol code for identifying the type of symbol provided corresponding to each symbol is associated.

  When a signal is output from the start switch 6S, a random number value is extracted by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37. In the gaming machine 1, when the random value is extracted, it is stored in the random value storage area of the RAM 33. Then, a probability lottery process described later is performed based on the random value stored in the random value storage area, and an internal winning combination is determined.

  After the reels 3L, 3C, 3R have reached constant speed rotation, when a signal is output from the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS by a stop operation, the reel 3L is based on the output signal and the determined internal winning combination. , 3C, and 3R are output to the motor drive circuit 39. The motor drive circuit 39 drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  When the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the display combination search process is performed based on the combination of symbols displayed at a predetermined position (for example, the center line 8c). The search for the display combination is performed based on a display combination determination table (not shown) stored in the ROM 32. In this display combination determination table, a combination of symbols related to winning, a corresponding payout, and a corresponding determination code are set.

  When it is determined by the display combination search that a combination of symbols related to winning is displayed, a control signal is output to the hopper driving circuit 41 and the hopper 40 is driven to pay out medals. At this time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches the designated number, the payout completion signal circuit 51 outputs a signal indicating completion of the medal payout. The Thereby, a control signal is output to the hopper drive circuit 41, and the drive of the hopper 40 is stopped. When the credit mode is switched by the C / P switch 14S, if it is determined that the symbol combination related to winning is displayed, the payout number corresponding to the symbol combination related to winning is credited to the RAM 33. Add to the number counter. Further, a control signal is output to the display unit driving circuit 48 and the value of the credit number counter is displayed on the information display unit 18. In some cases, a combination of symbols related to winning is displayed, and medals paid out or credits are collectively referred to simply as “paid out”.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control circuit 71 controls the entire game such as the progress of the game, while the sub control circuit 72 controls the effects related to the game by displaying images and outputting sounds and lamps. The main control circuit 71 and the sub-control circuit 72 are electrically connected by a harness or the like, and the sub-control circuit 72 produces effects based on various commands (such as a start command described later) transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Various processes such as determination and execution are performed. Here, the sub control circuit 72 is an example of effect information determining means and effect information output means.

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

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

  The image control circuit (gSub) 72a includes an image control microcomputer 81, a serial port 82, a program ROM 83, a work RAM 84, a calendar IC 85, an image control IC 86, a control RAM 87, an image ROM {CROM (character ROM)} 88, and a video RAM 89. The

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 is based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 and produces effect data (images according to a control program stored in the program ROM 83 (for example, see FIGS. 12 to 15 described later)). Various processes such as determination and output (including information, light emission pattern information, and sound information). Similarly to the main control circuit 71, the image control circuit (gSub) 72a includes a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, and is connected to the image control microcomputer 81 ( Not shown). These are configured to execute random number sampling.

  The serial port 82 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The program ROM 83 stores a control program executed by the image control microcomputer 81 (for example, see FIGS. 12 to 15 described later), various tables, and the like. The program ROM 83 has a random value determination table (for determining a random value range to which the random value transmitted from the main control circuit 71 belongs in order to produce an effect based on the random value transmitted from the main control circuit 71. For example, a table having the same structure as a general gaming state probability lottery table described later is stored.

  The work RAM 84 is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the image control microcomputer 81 executes the control program described above. Various information is set in the work RAM 84. For example, various information such as various commands received from the main control circuit 71, information extracted from various commands, and information obtained as a result of performing processing corresponding to various commands are set.

  The calendar IC 85 stores date data. An operation unit 17 is connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In the embodiment, the date setting or the like is performed by operating the operation unit 17 by a hall clerk or the like. The image control microcomputer 81 stores the date information set based on the input signal transmitted from the operation unit 17 in the calendar IC 85. The date information stored in the calendar IC 85 is backed up.

  The work RAM 84 and calendar IC 85 described above are backup targets. That is, even when the power supplied to the image control microcomputer 81 is shut off, the power is continuously supplied, and the stored information and the like are prevented from being erased.

  The image control IC 86 generates an image corresponding to the effect data determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs it to the liquid crystal display device 5.

  The control RAM 87 is included in the image control IC 86. The image control microcomputer 81 writes and reads information and the like with respect to the control RAM 87. In the control RAM 87, a register of the image control IC 86, a sprite attribute table, and a color palette table are developed. The image control microcomputer 81 updates the register of the image control IC 86 and the sprite attribute table at predetermined timings.

  The image control IC 86 is connected to the liquid crystal display device 5, the image ROM 88, and the video RAM 89. The image ROM 88 may be connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In this case, the configuration may be effective when processing a large amount of image data such as three-dimensional image data.

  The image ROM 88 stores image data, dot data, and the like for generating an image. For example, characters such as people and animals, sprite image data such as symbols, characters, and figures, background image data, and the like are stored. Sprite image data is an image to be displayed superimposed on a background image (background surface). Further, the image ROM 88 stores, for example, image data for displaying an effect based on a random value as shown in FIGS.

  The video RAM 89 is configured as a temporary storage unit when an image is generated by the image control IC 86. The image control IC 86 transmits a signal to the image control microcomputer 81 every time data in the video RAM 89 is transferred to the liquid crystal display device 5.

  In the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, the image control microcomputer 81 also controls the effects of sound and lamps. The image control microcomputer 81 determines the type of sound / lamp and the output timing based on the determined effect data. The image control microcomputer 81 transmits a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b via the serial port 82 at every predetermined timing. In the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b, only the sound / lamp output is performed mainly in accordance with the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a (excluding the volume adjustment control described later). .

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

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs sound / lamp output processing according to the control program stored in the program ROM 93 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to the LED 101 and the lamp 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits an output signal to the LED 101 and the lamp 102 in response to a command transmitted at a predetermined timing from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. Thereby, LED101 and the lamp | ramp 102 light-emit in the predetermined | prescribed aspect according to a command.

  The serial port 92 receives a command or the like transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The program ROM 93 stores a control program executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 and the like. The work RAM 94 is configured as a temporary storage means for work when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 executes the control program described above.

  The sound source IC 95 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 is an amplifier, and speakers 21L and 21R are connected to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 95 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 21L and 21R. The sound source ROM 97 stores sound source data (phrase etc.) for generating a sound source.

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

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the combination of symbols corresponding to the display combination and the payout thereof will be described. The display combination of the gaming machine 1 includes cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, BB (so-called “big bonus”), RB (so-called “regular bonus”), SRB (possible to be established in a general gaming state during BB described later). RB) and loss are set. Here, BB, RB, and SRB are collectively referred to as “bonus”.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cherry is established by displaying the cherry (symbol 65) in any one of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the left display window 4L. As a result, a cherry is won and two medals are paid out. In addition, when the number of inserted sheets is 3, if the cherry is displayed on the upper or lower stage of the left display window 4L, it will be established on two effective lines, so 4 sheets (2 sheets × 2) Medals are paid out.

  The bell is established by displaying three bells (symbol 64) side by side along the active line. As a result, a bell is won and 15 medals are paid out.

  The watermelon is established by displaying three watermelons (symbol 63) side by side along the active line. As a result, the watermelon is won and eight medals are paid out.

  Replay is established by displaying three replays (symbol 66) side by side along the active line. Thereby, the re-game is performed in the next unit game. That is, the same number of medals as the number of coins inserted in the unit game in which replay is established are automatically inserted in the next unit game without being based on the player's insertion operation. Thereby, the player can perform the next unit game without consuming medals. Here, the above-mentioned medal payout and re-game are examples of giving game value.

  BB is established by displaying three reds 7 (symbol 61) side by side along the active line. When BB is established, the BB gaming state (more specifically, the general gaming state during BB) is activated.

  RB is established when three BARs (symbol 62) are displayed along the active line. When RB is established, the RB gaming state is activated.

  SRB is established by displaying Replay (symbol 66) -Replay (symbol 66) -Bell (symbol 64) along the active line. When the SRB is established, the RB gaming state is activated. Here, the symbol combination related to BB, RB, or SRB is an example of a specific symbol combination. The BB gaming state, the BB general gaming state, or the RB gaming state is an example of a gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

  Further, when a symbol combination other than the symbol combinations related to cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, BB, RB, and SRB is displayed, a loss is established.

  Next, the configuration of the random value storage area of the RAM 33 will be described with reference to FIG. The RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 is provided with a random value storage area for storing the extracted random value. The CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 causes the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 to generate a random number value in the range of “0 to 16383”, and extracts one random number value from this range. Here, the random value storage area of the RAM 33 is an example of a random value storage means.

  This random value storage area has eight areas (addresses) from area 1 to area 8, and one random number value can be stored in each of the eight areas. Therefore, a total of eight random number values can be stored in this random value storage area.

  In the probability lottery process described later performed for each unit game, the random number value stored in the area 1 of the random value storage area is read out. Further, the random number value extracted for each unit game is written into the area 8 to start storage.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the random number value 10 in the region 1, the random value 50 in the region 2, the random value 1000 in the region 3, the random value 3000 in the region 4, the random value 5215 in the region 5, the random value 10000 in the region 6 If the random number value 4000 is stored in the area 7 and the random number value 16000 is stored in the area 8, the random value 10 stored in the area 1 is read first, and the random value stored in the area 1 is read first. The internal winning combination is determined based on 10 and a probability lottery table (see FIG. 7) described later.

  Subsequently, the random number value stored in the area 1 is read and then cleared. When the random number value stored in the area 1 is cleared, the random number value stored in the area 8 from the area 2 is shifted (shifted) to the previous area. When shifted, as shown in FIG. 6, the random number value 50 in the region 1, the random value 1000 in the region 2, the random value 3000 in the region 3, the random value 5215 in the region 4, the random value 10000 in the region 5, and the random value 10000 in the region 6 The random number value 4000 and the random number value 16000 are stored in the area 7, respectively. Here, if the random value 2000 is extracted in the current unit game, this random value 2000 is written and stored in the area 8.

  As described above, the series of processes is performed as a process in one unit game, and the random lottery process in the next unit game is performed by reading the random number value 50 stored in the region 1. Then, the random number value 2000 stored in the area 8 in this unit game is sequentially shifted to the previous area for each unit game and read when the area game 1 is shifted to the probability lottery process. used. Therefore, the random value extracted in the unit game is stored while the unit game is performed 8 times (that is, the random value is carried over) and used after the unit game is performed 8 times. Become. In addition, the random value stored in the area 8 in this unit game is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the sub-control circuit 72 performs an effect based on the transmitted random value.

  Next, a probability lottery table used when determining an internal winning combination will be described with reference to FIG. The probability lottery table defines an internal winning combination that may be determined and a random value range assigned to the internal winning combination for each gaming state such as a general gaming state.

  First, the gaming state predetermined for the gaming machine 1 will be described. The gaming state predetermined for the gaming machine 1 includes a general gaming state, an internal winning state, a BB general gaming state, and an RB gaming state. The transition between the game states is performed by the CPU 31 according to the program stored in the ROM 32 described above.

  When the internal winning combination relating to the operation of the bonus is determined in the general gaming state, the gaming state is updated to the internal winning state. In the gaming machine 1, when the internal winning combination related to the bonus operation is determined, the internal winning combination related to the bonus operation is stored until the combination of symbols related to the bonus operation is displayed (generally, “ This is called “carryover”, and the memorized internal winning combination is called “carryover”). While the internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus is stored, the internal winning state continues. The internal winning state in which the internal winning combination relating to the operation of BB is carried over is the BB internal winning state, and the internal winning state in which the internal winning combination relating to the operation of the RB is carried over is the RB internal winning state.

  In the RB internal winning state, when a combination of symbols related to RB operation is displayed, RB is established and the RB gaming state is activated. In the RB gaming state, the probability that an internal winning combination (that is, a bell) having a larger number of payouts than other internal winning combinations is determined is higher than in other gaming states. The RB gaming state is the number of unit games performed in the RB gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “RB gaming number”) reaches 12 times, or the number of winnings (hereinafter referred to as “winning number”). ) Ends when it reaches 8 times. Note that the RB gaming state is a gaming state configured by a unit game in which the first type special combination is operating.

  In the BB internal winning state, when a combination of symbols related to the operation of the BB is displayed, the BB is established and the general gaming state during the BB is operated. In the BB general gaming state, the probability that the internal winning combination related to the operation of the RB is determined is higher than in other gaming states, and the RB may operate with a high probability. Here, a gaming state composed of a general gaming state during BB and an RB gaming state in the general gaming state during BB is referred to as a BB gaming state. The BB gaming state is terminated when the total number of medals paid out in the BB gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 465). Note that the BB gaming state is a gaming state configured by a unit game in which the accessory continuous operation device according to the first type special accessory is operating.

  In the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 7, cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, BB, RB, SRB, and lose are provided as internal winning combinations that may be determined. Here, BB, RB, or SRB is an example of a winning combination related to a specific symbol combination. In the probability lottery table, the random number value stored in the area 1 of the random number value storage area of the RAM 33 is read out, and the random number value stored in the area 1 of the random number value storage area is read out from the probability lottery table. The internal winning combination is determined by determining to which random value range specified in (1). Therefore, the larger the specified random value range, the higher the winning probability of the internal winning combination. In addition, the winning probability of each internal winning combination is the number of random numbers included in the assigned random number range, and the total number of random numbers included in the entire random number range “0-16383” that may be generated. The value is divided by “16384”.

  (1) of FIG. 7 shows the general gaming state probability lottery table. In the general game state probability lottery table, there is a possibility that any one of cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, BB, RB, or lose will be determined as an internal winning combination. The random value range and the winning probability determined for each internal winning combination are as shown in the figure.

  (2) of FIG. 7 shows an internal winning state probability lottery table. In the internal winning state probability lottery table, there is a possibility that one of cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, or lose will be determined as the internal winning combination. The random value range and the winning probability determined for each internal winning combination are as shown in the figure. In the internal winning state, no bonus is determined, and the probability of determining an internal winning combination other than a loss is set equal to the general gaming state probability lottery table.

  (3) of FIG. 7 shows the probability lottery table for the general gaming state during BB. In the BB general gaming state probability lottery table, there is a possibility that any one of cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, RB, SRB, or lose will be determined as the internal winning combination. The random value range and the winning probability determined for each internal winning combination are as shown in the figure. In the general gaming state during BB, the probability that the SRB is determined is higher than in other gaming states. As a result, in the general gaming state during BB, the RB gaming state can be continuously operated.

  FIG. 7 (4) shows an RB gaming state probability lottery table. In the RB gaming state probability lottery table, there is a possibility that any one of cherry, bell, watermelon, or lose will be determined as the internal winning combination. The random value range and the winning probability determined for each internal winning combination are as shown in the figure. Further, in the RB gaming state, the probability that a bell is determined is extremely high and the probability that a loss is determined is extremely low compared to other gaming states. Further, in the RB gaming state, since the maximum inserted number is set to 1, the ratio of the payout number to the inserted number (so-called payout rate) can be increased. Therefore, in the RB game state, the player can increase the chances of acquiring medals, and therefore, it is possible to play a game that is more advantageous to the player than the general game state or the internal winning state.

  Next, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 8, the reset interrupt process by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described. The CPU 31 is configured to generate a reset interrupt when the power is turned on and a voltage is applied to the reset terminal, and sequentially perform the reset interrupt processing stored in the ROM 32 based on the generation of the interrupt. Has been.

  First, when the power is turned on, the CPU 31 performs initialization (step S1). Specifically, initialization of the storage contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Here, in this initialization process, when the power is turned on, the CPU 31 writes random numbers arbitrarily extracted in each area of the random value storage area (see FIG. 6) of the RAM 33 described above. Even in the initial state, the game is started in a state where random values are stored in each area.

  Next, the CPU 31 clears the designated RAM area at the end of the game (step S2). Specifically, the CPU 31 erases data in the writable area in the RAM 33 used for the previous unit game, writes parameters necessary for the current unit game in the writable area in the RAM 33, and sequence in the current unit game. Specify the start address of the program.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs medal insertion / start check processing (step S3). First, in the medal insertion check process, the CPU 31 determines whether the medal sensor 22S has detected the passage of a medal, whether the BET switches 11S, 12S, 13S are turned on, or based on the replay operating flag. It is determined whether or not a replay has been established in the unit game, and medal insertion processing is performed based on each determination result. Specifically, the CPU 31 updates the insertion number counter set in the RAM 33 according to the determination result of the medal sensor 22S, the BET switches 11S, 12S, 13S or the replay operation flag. The replay operating flag is information for identifying whether or not replay is established. The inserted number counter is information for specifying the inserted number in the current unit game.

  Further, the CPU 31 validates the winning line according to the value of the inserted number counter. For example, if the inserted number counter is 3, the CPU 31 performs a display combination search process to be described later based on the combination of symbols displayed on all winning lines. Subsequently, in the start check process in step S3, the CPU 31 starts on the condition that a medal is inserted {for example, the inserted number counter is 1 or more or the inserted number counter is the maximum value 3}. Processing for determining whether or not the start switch 6S is turned on by the operation is performed.

  Next, when determining that the start switch 6S is turned on in step S3, the CPU 31 performs a random value extraction process described later with reference to FIG. 10 (step S4). In this random value extraction process, the CPU 31 extracts one random value from the range “0 to 16383” by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37, and stores the extracted random value in the random value storage area of the RAM 33 described above. 8 (see FIG. 6).

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process (step S5). In this gaming state monitoring process, the CPU 31 sets information for identifying the gaming state in the current unit game in the RAM 33 based on the BB operating flag, the RB operating flag, or the carryover combination information. Specifically, the CPU 31 sets the BB general gaming state if the BB operating flag is on, sets the RB gaming state if the RB operating flag is on, and sets the carryover combination. The internal winning state is set, and if none of these is true, the general gaming state is set. The CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the set game state information.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a probability lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 (step S6). In this probability lottery process, the CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the above-described probability lottery table (see FIG. 7) and the random value stored in the random value storage area 1 (see FIG. 6) of the RAM 33. . If the determined internal winning combination is a bonus, the CPU 31 sets this bonus in the RAM 33 as a carryover combination. Further, the CPU 31 determines the winning combination based on the internal winning combination and the carryover combination. For example, if the bell is determined as the internal winning combination and BB is set as the carryover combination, the CPU 31 determines Bell and BB as the winning combination. In other words, the internal winning combination and the carryover combination are information related to the determination of the display mode of the symbols when the reels are stopped, and these are included and are referred to as “winning combination”.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S7). The start command includes, for example, information such as a game state, a winning combination, and a random value stored in the random value storage area 8 of the RAM 33 (that is, a random value extracted in the current unit game). .

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (step S8). When it is determined that 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the CPU 31 performs a wait process (step S9). In this wait process, the CPU 31 performs a standby process without performing the subsequent processes until 4.1 seconds elapse from the start of the previous rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  When it is determined in step S8 that 4.1 seconds have elapsed, or when the wait process in step S9 is performed, the CPU 31 sets a game monitoring timer in the RAM 33 (step S10). The CPU 31 performs the above-described 4.1 second timing by the set game monitoring timer.

  Next, the CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all reels (step S11). For example, the CPU 31 performs processing such as turning on a rotation start request flag set in the RAM 33. When the rotation start of all reels is requested, the reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotation start processing is performed in the reel control processing (step S32) of periodic interruption processing every 1.1 msec, which will be described later with reference to FIG. And acceleration control processing is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop switch is on (step S12). The CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS corresponding to the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are turned on based on the stop operation by the player.

  When determining that the stop switch is not on in step S12, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the automatic stop timer is 0 (step S13). When determining that the automatic stop timer is not 0, the CPU 31 repeats the process of determining whether or not the stop switch in step S12 is on.

  When it is determined in step S12 that the stop switch is ON, or when it is determined in step S13 that the automatic stop timer is 0, the CPU 31 performs a sliding frame number determination process (step S14). In this sliding frame number determination process, the CPU 31 determines the number of sliding frames from the range of “0 to 4” based on the stop stop position of the reel corresponding to the winning combination and the stop switch turned on. The stop start position is a symbol (specifically) located on the center line 8c when the stop operation is performed and the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS are turned on (or when the automatic stop timer becomes 0). The center of the symbol is located above the center line 8c, and the center of the symbol is specified by the code number of the symbol closest to the position of the center line 8c.

  Here, in the gaming machine 1, after signals are output from the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS, control is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R within 190 msec. Is set to For example, when the watermelon (symbol 63) with code number 05 reaches the position of the center line 8c during rotation of the right reel 3R (see FIG. 2), if a signal is output by the stop switch 7RS, The rotation of the right reel 3R can be stopped so that the cherry (symbol 65) is displayed at a position on the center line 8c.

  When determining the number of sliding symbols, the CPU 31 first acquires a stop start position, identifies a symbol located on the center line 8c, and determines whether or not the identified symbol is a symbol related to the winning combination. When the CPU 31 determines that the specified symbol is not the symbol related to the winning combination, the CPU 31 searches whether or not the symbol related to the winning combination exists within the range of four frames from the specified symbol. When the symbol related to the winning combination is obtained as a result of the search, the CPU 31 determines the difference from the stop start position to the code number of the symbol obtained as a result of the search as the number of sliding frames and sets it in the RAM 33.

  If the winning combination includes the internal winning combination bell and the carryover combination BB and allows two types of display combinations to be established, the CPU 31 determines whether the winning combination is based on a predetermined display priority. Determine the number. In the gaming machine 1, display priorities are defined in the order of “replay”, “bonus (ie, RB, BB, SRB)”, “watermelon, bell, or cherry (so-called small role)”. Based on this display priority order, the CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols so as to preferentially display symbols with a higher priority order on the effective line. For example, if both bell (symbol 64) and red 7 (symbol 61) exist within the range of 4 frames from the symbol of the stop start position, priority is given to the number of sliding frames up to red 7 (symbol 61). Will be determined. Further, within the range of 4 frames from the symbol of the stop start position, there is no high priority symbol, that is, red 7 (symbol 61), and only a low priority symbol, ie, bell (symbol 64). In this case, the number of sliding frames up to the bell (symbol 64) is determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 waits for the number of sliding frames to rotate the reel corresponding to the turned-on stop switch (step S15). For example, if the determined number of sliding symbols is 2, the CPU 31 waits until two symbols pass on the center line 8c.

  Next, the CPU 31 requests to stop the rotation of the reel (step S16). For example, the CPU 31 performs processing such as turning on a reel rotation stop request flag set in the RAM 33. When the rotation stop of the reel is requested, a stop control process is performed in a reel control process (step S32) of a periodic interrupt process every 1.1 msec, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S17). The reel stop command includes information on the reel that is subject to stop control.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not all reels have stopped (step S18). When it is determined that all the reels are not stopped, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S12 and performs a process of determining whether or not the stop switch corresponding to the remaining reels is on.

  When CPU 31 determines in step S18 that all reels have stopped, it performs display combination search processing (step S19). In this display combination search process, the CPU 31 identifies a display combination based on the code number of the symbols displayed side by side on the active line and the display combination determination table. Further, the CPU 31 sets a display combination flag for identifying the display combination and information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination in the RAM 33. For example, when a bell (symbol 64) is displayed side by side on the center line 8c, the CPU 31 displays a display combination flag for identifying that the display combination is a bell, and a payout number for specifying 15 payouts. Set information.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a display combination command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S20). The display combination command includes information on a display combination flag for specifying the display combination.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs medal payout processing (step S21). In this medal payout process, the CPU 31 updates the credit counter set in the RAM 33 based on the payout number information in the credit mode. When the credit counter is updated, the value of the credit counter is displayed on the information display unit 18 in the 7 SEG driving process (step S33) of the periodic interrupt process every 1.1 msec, which will be described later with reference to FIG. Let In the payout mode, the CPU 31 controls the hopper 40 by the hopper drive circuit 41 based on the payout number information to pay out medals. If the display combination is replay, the CPU 31 turns on the replay operating flag.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag set in the RAM 33 is on (step S22). When determining that the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process (step S23). In this bonus operation check process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB or RB. When it is determined that the display combination is BB, the CPU 31 performs a BB operation process. As processing at the time of BB operation, the CPU 31 clears the carryover combination, turns on the BB operation flag, and sets a value of 465 as an initial value in the BB gaming state payout number counter. On the other hand, when it is determined that the display combination is RB, the CPU 31 performs RB operation processing. As the RB operation process, the CPU 31 clears the carryover combination, turns on the RB operation flag, sets the RB game number counter to an initial value of 12, and sets the winning number counter to an initial value of 8 Set. When this process ends, the process proceeds to step S2.

  When determining that the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is on in step S22, the CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process (step S24). In this bonus end check process, if the RB operating flag is ON, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the RB game number counter every time a unit game is performed, and the display combination is watermelon, bell, or cherry. For example, 1 is subtracted from the winning counter. When the CPU 31 determines that the value of the RB game number counter or the winning counter is updated to 0, the CPU 31 determines that the RB gaming state is ended, and ends the RB operation such as turning off the RB operating flag. Perform time processing. If the BB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 subtracts the payout number corresponding to the display combination from the BB gaming state payout number counter every time the display combination is established. When the CPU 31 determines that the value of the payout number counter during the BB gaming state has been updated to 0, it determines that it is the end of the BB gaming state, and turns off the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag. Processing at the end of BB is performed. Further, when the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is RB when the BB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 performs RB operation processing such as turning on the RB operating flag described above. When this process ends, the process proceeds to step S2.

  As described above, the CPU 31 executes the process from step S2 to step S23 or step S24 as the process in the unit game, and when the process in step S23 or step S24 is completed, the step is performed to execute the process in the next unit game. The process proceeds to S2.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the periodic interrupt process every 1.1 msec in the main control circuit 71 will be described. This interrupt process is a process for interrupting the main process in the main control circuit 71 at intervals of 1.1 msec.

  First, the CPU 31 performs input port check processing (step S31). Specifically, the CPU 31 performs processing for checking signals output from each switch and each circuit connected to the input port. Each switch and each circuit includes a start switch 6S, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, BET switches 11S, 12S, 13S, a C / P switch 14S, a medal sensor 22S, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51. is there.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process for the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R (step S32). In this reel control process, the CPU 31 starts and stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the information related to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R set in the RAM 33. For example, as described above, if the reel rotation start request flag is on, the rotation of the reel is started, and if the reel rotation stop request flag is on, the rotation of the reel is stopped.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs 7SEG drive processing (step S33). In the 7SEG driving process, based on information such as each counter set in the RAM 33, the information display unit 18 is controlled to display information on the number of payouts when the winning is established, information on the number of credited medals, and the like.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a lamp driving process (step S34). In the lamp driving process, control is performed to turn on various lamps provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1. When this process ends, the periodic interrupt process every 1.1 msec ends.

  Next, a random value extraction process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the CPU 31 generates a random number in the range of “0 to 16383” by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37, and extracts one random value (step S41).

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the extracted random number value in the random value storage area of the RAM 33 (step S42). Specifically, the CPU 31 first reads the random value stored in the area 1 (see FIG. 6) of the random value storage area, and uses the random value stored in the area 1 in the current unit game. Obtained as a lottery value. Subsequently, the CPU 31 clears the random number value stored in the area 1 and shifts the random number value stored in the area 8 from the area 2 to the previous area. Subsequently, the CPU 31 stores the random value extracted in step S41 in the area 8 of the random value storage area. When this process ends, the random value extraction process ends, and the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG.

  Next, the probability lottery process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the CPU 31 refers to the identification information for identifying the gaming state set in the RAM 33, and determines whether or not it is in the BB general gaming state (step S51). When the CPU 31 determines that it is in the general gaming state during BB, the CPU 31 stores the probability lottery table for general gaming state during BB {see (3) in FIG. 7} and the random value storage area 1 of the RAM 33 (see FIG. 6). An internal winning combination is determined based on the random number that has been set (step S52). When this process ends, the probability lottery process ends, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S51 that it is not in the BB general gaming state, it determines whether or not it is in the RB gaming state (step S53). When the CPU 31 determines that it is in the RB gaming state, the randomness stored in the RB gaming state probability lottery table {see (4) in FIG. 7} and the random number storage area 1 of the RAM 33 (see FIG. 6). An internal winning combination is determined based on the numerical value (step S54). When this process ends, the probability lottery process ends, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S53 that it is not in the RB gaming state, it determines whether or not it is in the internal winning state (step S55). When the CPU 31 determines that it is in the internal winning state, the random number stored in the internal winning state probability lottery table {see (2) in FIG. 7} and the random number storage area 1 of the RAM 33 (see FIG. 6). An internal winning combination is determined based on the numerical value (step S56). When this process ends, the probability lottery process ends, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines that it is not in the internal winning state in step S55, it is stored in the general gaming state probability lottery table {see (1) in FIG. 7} and the random number storage area 1 of the RAM 33 (see FIG. 6). An internal winning combination is determined based on the random number value that has been stored (step S57).

  When the CPU 31 determines the internal winning combination in the general gaming state in step S57, the CPU 31 determines whether the determined internal winning combination is BB or RB (step S58). When the CPU 31 determines that the internal winning combination is neither BB nor RB, the CPU 31 ends the probability lottery process and proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  When determining that the internal winning combination determined in step S58 is either BB or RB, the CPU 31 sets a carryover combination based on the determined internal winning combination (step S59). Specifically, if the internal winning combination is BB, the CPU 31 sets identification information for identifying BB in the area for storing the carryover combination in the RAM 33. Further, if the internal winning combination is RB, the CPU 31 sets identification information for identifying the RB in the area for storing the carryover combination in the RAM 33. In addition, when RB is determined in the BB general gaming state, it may be carried over. When this process ends, the probability lottery process ends, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  Next, the control operation of the sub-control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 12, a reset interrupt process performed by the sub control circuit 72 will be described.

  The image control microcomputer 81 generates a reset interrupt by turning on the power and applying a voltage to the reset terminal, and sequentially executes the reset interrupt processing stored in the program ROM 83 based on the generation of the interrupt. Configured to do.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 initializes the work RAM 84, the control RAM 87, the video RAM 89, and the like (step S101).

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 performs input monitoring processing (step S102). In this input monitoring process, the image control microcomputer 81 performs a process for monitoring whether or not a signal is output from the operation unit 17. For example, the image control microcomputer 81 determines effect data (such as a menu screen) corresponding to the input from the operation unit 17 if there is an input from the operation unit 17 except during a game (such as during reel rotation). The effect data determined here includes data for displaying the history of the gaming machine 1 and the like.

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 performs a command input process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 13 (step S103). In this command input process, the image control microcomputer 81 determines the content of the effect (that is, effect data) to be executed by the liquid crystal display device 5, the LED 101, the lamp 102, the speakers 21L, 21R, etc., according to each input command. .

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 performs command output processing (step S104). In this command output process, the image control microcomputer 81 controls the image control IC 86 for driving and controlling the liquid crystal display device 5 and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b for driving and controlling the LED 101, the lamp 102, and the speakers 21L and 21R. A command corresponding to the determined effect data is output. Thereby, the liquid crystal display device 5 displays an image according to the determined effect data. Moreover, LED101 and the lamp | ramp 102 output the light emission pattern according to the determined production data. The speakers 21L and 21R output music or sound corresponding to the determined effect data. When the command output process ends, the image control microcomputer 81 repeats the process from step S102.

  Next, command input processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether a command is received from the main control circuit 71 (step S111). Here, commands received from the main control circuit 71 include a start command, a reel stop command, a display combination command, and the like. When the image control microcomputer 81 determines that the command has not been received, the command input processing is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S104 in FIG.

  When the image control microcomputer 81 determines in step S111 that a command has been received, the image control microcomputer 81 performs a command corresponding execution process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 14 (step S112). When this process ends, the command input process ends, and the process proceeds to step S104 in FIG.

  Next, the command response execution process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the command received from the main control circuit 71 is a start command (step S121). When the image control microcomputer 81 determines that it is a start command, it performs a game start process described later with reference to FIG. 15 (step S122). When this process ends, the command response execution process ends, and the process proceeds to step S104 in FIG.

  When determining that the command is not a start command in step S121, the image control microcomputer 81 determines effect data corresponding to each command (for example, a reel stop command or a display combination command) received from the main control circuit 71 (step S123). . When this process ends, the command response execution process ends, and the process proceeds to step S104 in FIG.

  Next, the game start process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the image control microcomputer 81 reads information for identifying the gaming state included in the start command, and determines whether or not the current gaming state is a general gaming state (step S131). When the image control microcomputer 81 determines in step S131 that the game state is not the general game state, the image control microcomputer 81 determines effect data based on the game state and the winning combination (step S132). For example, the image control microcomputer 81 determines effect data corresponding to the BB gaming state if it is the BB gaming state. When this process ends, the game start process ends, and the process proceeds to step S104 in FIG.

  When the image control microcomputer 81 determines in step S131 that the game state is the general game state, the random number value stored in the area 8 of the random value storage area of the RAM 33 from the start command (that is, the random value extracted in the current unit game) ) Is read, and a random value range to which the random value belongs is determined (step S133). The image control microcomputer 81 determines the random value range to which the random value belongs by referring to the random value determination table stored in the program ROM 83. This random value determination table is a table having the same configuration as the general gaming state probability lottery table (see (1) in FIG. 7) stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71. An internal winning combination that may be determined and a random value range assigned to each internal winning combination are defined. For example, if the random number value transmitted to the start command is “5200”, the image control microcomputer 81 determines that it belongs to the random value range “5215 to 5264”, and after the unit game is performed 8 times, It can be determined that the internal winning combination BB is determined in the control circuit 71.

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 determines effect data based on the winning combination and random number determination result (step S134). Specifically, the image control microcomputer 81 determines the effect data based on the information specifying the internal winning combination determined in the current unit game from the start command and the result of the determination in step S133 described above. For example, the image control microcomputer 81 belongs to the random value range (“5215 to 5264” or “5265 to 5314”) in which the internal winning combination determined in this unit game is Bell and the random value is assigned to the bonus. If it is determined, the effect data for performing the effect suggesting that the bonus is determined is determined. As an effect suggesting that this bonus is determined, an effect as shown in FIG. 16 can be applied. FIG. 16 shows a display example of effects displayed on the display screen 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5. As shown in FIG. 16, when a combination of symbols related to the bell is displayed in the current unit game, the player is informed that a bonus is determined after eight unit games have been performed. A suggestion effect is displayed. Also, for example, when the image control microcomputer 81 determines that the internal winning combination determined in the current unit game is losing and the random value belongs to the random value range ("370 to 2969") assigned to the watermelon Then, effect data for performing an effect suggesting that a watermelon is determined is determined. As an effect suggesting that this watermelon is determined, an effect as shown in FIG. 17 can be applied. FIG. 17 shows a display example of effects displayed on the display screen 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5. As shown in FIG. 17, even if a combination of symbols related to a loss is displayed on the display unit 5a in this unit game, the player is determined that a watermelon is determined after eight unit games have been performed. A suggestion effect is displayed. When this process ends, the game start process ends, and the process proceeds to step S104 in FIG.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, the random number value extracted in the unit game is stored in the random value storage area of the RAM 33 until at least the next unit game. And the player's expectation for the random number value extracted in the unit game can be maintained in the next unit game. Specifically, eight areas of area 1 to area 8 are provided in the random value storage area of the RAM 33, and random values extracted in the unit game are sequentially stored in the area 8, and each time a unit game is performed, the area 8 is stored. The stored random number value is sequentially shifted to the previous area. When the stored random number value is shifted to area 1, the random number value shifted to area 1 is read out. As a result, the random value extracted in the unit game can be stored in the random value storage area while the unit game is performed 8 times, and can be used after the unit game is performed 8 times. Therefore, the player's expectation on the random number value extracted in the unit game can be maintained in the next unit game (that is, until eight unit games are performed), and the interest of the game can be improved. it can.

  Further, since the effect data is determined based on the random value stored in the area 8 of the random value storage area (that is, the random value extracted in the current unit game), the effect based on the stored random value is performed. And maintain interest in the player's performance. In addition, since the random value range to which the random value stored in the region 8 belongs is determined and the type of the internal winning combination to be determined when this random value is used is notified to the player. The internal winning combination that can be determined in the next transition unit game (that is, after eight unit games have been played) can be detected, and the player's sense of expectation can be maintained in the subsequent unit games. . Furthermore, if the random number value belongs to the random value range assigned to the bonus, it is possible to detect that the bonus can be determined by performing the effects as shown in FIG. While improving, it can be maintained in the unit game after the next time.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described, this invention is not limited to this.

  In the embodiment, the random number value extracted for each unit game is written in the area 8, the random number value stored in each area is sequentially shifted to the previous area for each unit game, and the time point when it is shifted to the area 1 Although the random number value stored in (1) is stored to store the random number value among a plurality of unit games, the present invention is not limited to this, and other processes can be applied. For example, it is possible to apply a process of sequentially shifting the position from which the random number value is read out from the region 1 to the next region for each unit game. In this case, the random number values extracted in the unit game can be sequentially stored in the area after being read. Further, when the reading area becomes the area 8, it is possible to return to the area 1 and repeat the reading up to the area 8 again. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the random number value 10 in the region 1, the random value 50 in the region 2, the random value 1000 in the region 3, the random value 3000 in the region 4, the random value 5215 in the region 5, and the random value 10000 in the region 6. If the random number value 4000 is stored in the area 7 and the random value 16000 is stored in the area 8, first, the random value 10 stored in the area 1 is read, and the random value stored in the area 1 is read. The internal winning combination is determined based on 10 and a probability lottery table described later (see FIG. 7). Then, after clearing the random number value 10 stored in the area 1 where the reading has been completed, the random value extracted in the current unit game is written to the area 1 where the reading has been completed, and the reading position is the area that is the next area Move to 2. Subsequently, after reading the random number value 50 stored in the area 2 and clearing the random number value 50 stored in the area 2 where the reading was completed, the reading of the random number value extracted in the current unit game was completed. Write to the area 2 and shift the reading position to the next area 3. Thus, even if the reading position and the writing position are sequentially shifted from the area 1 to the area 8, the player's expectation with respect to the random value extracted in the unit game is changed to the next unit game (that is, 8 Can be maintained (until the unit game is played), and the fun of the game can be improved.

  In the embodiment, the internal winning combination is determined using the random number value stored in the area 1 among the random number values stored in the random number value storage area of the RAM 33. Not limited to this, a predetermined lottery may be performed to determine in which area the random number value stored is used. Even in this case, the player's expectation for the random value extracted in the unit game can be maintained in the unit game after the next time, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In the embodiment, areas 1 to 8 are provided as random number storage areas of the RAM 33 and eight random numbers can be stored. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of random numbers stored can be arbitrarily changed. is there. In this way, if the number of random values stored is reduced, the number of unit games in which random values are stored can be reduced, and if the number of stored random values is increased, the number of random games stored can be random. Since the number of unit games in which numerical values are stored can be increased, the number of unit games in which random values are stored can be adjusted.

  In the embodiment, arbitrary numerical values are stored in advance in each of the areas 1 to 8 in the initialization process (step S1) when the gaming machine 1 is turned on. It is not something that can be done. For example, in the first random value extraction process after power-on (step S4), a plurality of (for example, eight) random numbers are extracted, and the extracted random values are stored in each area. good. Further, while the unit game is performed a plurality of times (for example, 8 times) after the power is turned on, the extracted random number value may be used for the probability lottery process in the unit game and stored in each area sequentially. . Even in this way, the extracted random number value can be stored for a plurality of unit games, and the player's sense of expectation for the random value can be maintained.

  In the embodiment, the presentation is performed based on the random value and the internal winning combination. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the presentation may be performed based only on the random value. In this case, for example, an effect such as “bonus confirmed after 8 games” can be performed. Even in this way, it is possible to notify the number of unit games required to be determined as the type of internal winning combination to be determined by the random number value, and the player's expectation to the unit game after the next time. Can be maintained.

  Further, in the embodiment, when the random value extracted in the current unit game belongs to a specific random value range assigned to the bonus, an effect as shown in FIG. 16 is performed. Not only the effects as shown, but any effects can be applied. For example, an effect as shown in FIG. 18 may be performed. FIG. 18 is a display example of a continuation effect that provides an effect that constitutes a series of stories over a plurality of unit games.

  The display example of (1) in FIG. 18 is an effect performed when a start command is transmitted (that is, at the time of a start operation). A character A image 302 dressed as a batter and a character B image 303 dressed as a pitcher are opposed to each other. An effect indicating that the user is present is displayed. The display example of (2) in FIG. 18 is an effect performed when the first reel stop command is transmitted (that is, at the time of the first stop operation), and the character A image 302 enters a striking posture with a bat. An effect indicating that the character B image 303 is in a throwing posture is displayed. The display example of (3) in FIG. 18 is an effect performed when the second reel stop command is transmitted (that is, at the time of the second stop operation), and the character B image 303 is enlarged and thrown by throwing the arm. An effect showing the state up to is performed is displayed. The display example of (4) in FIG. 18 is an effect performed when the last reel stop command is transmitted (that is, at the time of the third stop operation). The character A image 302 is displayed in an enlarged manner, the bat is swung, and the ball An effect showing the state until the player tries to hit is displayed.

  The display example of (5) in FIG. 18 is an effect performed when a display combination command is transmitted, and an effect indicating that the hit ball hit by the character A image 302 becomes a foul is displayed. The display example of (6) in FIG. 18 is another aspect of the effect performed when the display combination command is transmitted, and an effect indicating that the hit ball hit by the character A image 302 becomes a home run is displayed. . The display example of (7) in FIG. 18 is another aspect of the effect performed when the display combination command is transmitted, and an effect indicating that the character A image 302 has been struck without hitting a ball is displayed. ing.

  For example, in the seven unit games before the random number value extracted in the current unit game is used, an effect consisting of (1) to (5) in FIG. In the unit game in which the random value extracted in the current unit game is used, the (1) to (4) in FIG. 18 to (6) in FIG. (That is, the effect that finally becomes a home run) can be performed. Even in this way, it is possible to produce an effect that maintains the player's expectation for the random number value in the unit game from the next time onward, and performs an effect that maintains the player's interest in the production over a plurality of unit games. Can improve the interest of the game. Further, it is possible to notify that the bonus is finally determined, and it is possible to improve the player's expectation.

  Note that the above-described continuous effect may be performed when a random number is not included in a specific random value range assigned to the bonus, or when a predetermined lottery is won. In the case of performing a continuous effect by lottery, a bonus is obtained by performing an effect composed of (1) to (4) in FIG. 18 and (7) in FIG. The player can be informed that it is not decided. In this way, when the performance shown in FIG. 18 is started, the player can have a sense of expectation that the extracted random number value belongs to a specific random value range assigned to the bonus. In some cases, the interest of the game can be improved.

  In the embodiment, the type of bonus is not notified, but the type of bonus may be notified as “BB determination” or “RB determination”. If the bonus type is not notified, it can be enjoyed to predict which will be decided, and if the bonus type is notified, the player should know the symbol to be aimed at and stop at an appropriate timing. You can be prompted to perform the operation. Further, the type of bonus may not be notified in the unit game from which the random value is extracted, but the type of bonus may be notified in the unit game in which the random value is used. Thereby, the player's interest in the production can be maintained, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In addition, not only when belonging to a specific random value range assigned to a bonus, but also when performing belonging to a random value range assigned to another internal winning combination such as a bell or a watermelon, the above-described effects are performed. Also good. Even in this way, the number of unit games required to be determined as the type of the internal winning combination to be determined by the current random number value can be notified, and the player's sense of expectation is determined from the next unit The game can be maintained.

  In the embodiment, the presentation is performed based on the random value extracted in the unit game of this time, that is, the random value stored in the random value storage area 8 of the RAM 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it produce based on the random number value memorize | stored in the other area | region of the random value storage area. In this case, the CPU 31 may transmit a random value stored in a specific area (for example, the area 5) among the plurality of areas of the random value storage area of the RAM 33 to the sub-control circuit 72 as a start command. good. In this way, the sub-control circuit 72 performs an effect based on the number of unit games required until the random number stored in each area is used, such as “bonus confirmation after 5 games”, for example. Can do. Further, for example, random values stored in a plurality of areas such as area 2 and area 5 are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the sub-control circuit 72 produces such effects as “confirm bonus when watermelon is established after 2 games”. Can also be done. If it does in this way, the kind of production will become various and it can improve the interest of a game.

  Further, a random value storage area having the same configuration as the random value storage area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 is provided in the work RAM 84 of the sub control circuit 72 and extracted for each unit game transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Random values may be stored and updated sequentially. Even if it does in this way, while being able to acquire the effect similar to an Example, various effects can be performed based on the random value value memorize | stored in the random value storage area | region, and the interest of a game can be improved.

  In the embodiment, the effect based on the random number value is performed in the general gaming state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the effect based on the random number value may be performed in other game states. Even in this way, it is possible to perform an effect of maintaining the player's expectation in each gaming state, and to improve the interest of the game.

  Further, the effects shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 employed in the embodiment are merely examples, and the aspect of the effects can be arbitrarily changed. In the embodiment, an effect using an image to be displayed mainly on the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5 is applied. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the LED 101 and the light emission mode of the lamp 102 ( It is also possible to employ effects using lighting, extinction, blinking, emission color, etc., effects using sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R, and the like.

  In the embodiment, cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, RB, BB, SRB, and lose are applied as the types of internal winning combinations. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily applied. For example, in addition to RB or BB, for example, an internal winning combination related to the operation of challenge time (so-called “CT”) can be applied as a winning combination related to a specific symbol combination. Even in this way, the player's sense of expectation for the random number value extracted in the unit game can be maintained in the unit game after the next time. Further, a random value range assigned to CT (for example, “5315 to 5364”) may be applied as the specific random value range.

  In the CT gaming state that operates by displaying a combination of symbols related to CT (for example, red 7-BAR-BAR), regardless of the determined internal winning combination, cherry, bell, Alternatively, it becomes possible to establish a watermelon or the like. In the CT gaming state, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped within 75 msec (within 190 msec in other gaming states) after a signal is output from the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS. Is set to a maximum of 1 frame (that is, 0 frame or 1 frame). As a result, in the CT gaming state, since the range of symbols that can be moved after the signals are output by the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS is reduced compared to other gaming states, it is a higher technology for the player. Is required. As a result, the CT gaming state requires more pressing technology than the other gaming states, but depending on the pressing, it is possible to arbitrarily establish a cherry, a bell, or a watermelon. Further, the CT gaming state is terminated when the number of payouts in the CT gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 253). Note that the CT gaming state is a gaming state constituted by a unit game in which the accessory continuous operation device relating to the second type special accessory is operating. The CT gaming state is an example of a gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

  In addition to the above-mentioned CT, an internal winning combination related to the operation of a high probability replaying state (so-called replay time) in which the probability that a replay is determined as an internal winning combination is improved over a plurality of unit games may be adopted. it can. In the high probability re-playing state, there is a possibility that re-gaming will be established with a high probability, so that the opportunity for the player to insert medals can be reduced, and unit games can be performed without consuming medals. become. Further, the high probability re-gaming state is an example of a gaming state advantageous to the player.

  Further, the order of the stop operation that allows display of the combination of symbols related to a specific internal winning combination (for example, bell) and the mode of the stop operation that does not allow display (for example, the order of stop operation) are determined and determined. It is also possible to employ an internal winning combination relating to the operation of a gaming state (so-called assist time) in which notification of the mode of the stop operation is continuously performed over a plurality of unit games. In this gaming state, when a specific internal winning combination is determined, the order of the stop operation that allows the display of the combination of symbols is notified, so the player selects the combination of symbols according to the notified order of the stop operations. It becomes possible to display, and the possibility of winning a prize can be increased.

  The symbol display means, the start signal output means, the random value extraction means, the random value storage means, the winning combination determination means, the symbol variation means, the stop signal output means, the stop control means, the production, which constitute the gaming machine according to the present invention. The specific configurations of the information determination means, the production information output means, the advantageous state operation means, the determination means, etc. are not limited to the elements of the above-described embodiments, and can be arbitrarily changed.

  In the gaming machine, the winning combination determining means is stored in a predetermined area determined by performing a predetermined lottery among the random number values sequentially stored in the plurality of areas by the random value storage means. A random number value may be read out, and the winning combination may be determined based on the read random number value and the table.

  The random value storage means has a plurality of areas for storing the random value extracted by the random value extraction means, and sequentially selects the random value extracted by the random value extraction means in a predetermined order. The winning combination deciding means stores the random number values stored in the plurality of areas in the predetermined order from the plurality of areas, and the read random number values and the table are stored in the plurality of areas. The winning combination may be determined based on the above.

  Further, in the gaming machine, in a gaming state advantageous to the player (for example, a general gaming state during BB), a gaming state other than the gaming state advantageous to the player (for example, a general gaming state or an internal winning state) ) In a high probability gaming state (for example, RB gaming state) with a high probability that the winning combination (for example, bell) related to the provision of the gaming value is determined by the winning combination determining means. May be.

  As a result, in a gaming state advantageous to the player, the high probability gaming state is activated with a higher probability than other gaming states other than the gaming state advantageous to the player. The chance of playing a game in a high-probability gaming state with a high probability of being determined can be increased, and a game advantageous to the player can be performed compared to other gaming states.

  Further, in the gaming machine, in a gaming state advantageous to the player (for example, RB gaming state), the winning combination determining means is a gaming state other than the gaming state advantageous to the player (for example, general gaming) The winning combination (for example, bell) related to the provision of the game value may be determined with a higher probability than the state or the internal winning state).

  As a result, in the gaming state advantageous to the player, the probability that the winning combination relating to the provision of the game value is determined is higher than in other gaming states, so that the game advantageous to the player compared to other gaming states It can be carried out.

  Further, in the gaming machine, the stop control means changes between the time when the symbol signal is output by the stop signal output means and the time when the combination of symbols is displayed by the symbol display means. The number of sliding displays (for example, the number of sliding frames), which is the number of symbols to be displayed, is a number (for example, 0 to 4) that is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum sliding display number (for example, the maximum number of sliding frames, 4 frames). A sliding display number determining means (for example, the main control circuit 71, a sliding frame number determining process in step S14 in FIG. 8) for determining from any one of the tops) is provided, which is advantageous for the player (for example, In the CT gaming state), the slip display number determination means sets the slip display number to a number equal to or less than a predetermined maximum slip display number (for example, one frame) less than the predetermined maximum slip display number. In example, it may be determined from among the 0 frame or one frame).

  As a result, in the gaming state advantageous to the player, the number of sliding displays can be reduced, and the player's skill can be intervened in the result of the game compared to other gaming states, so the game is more interesting. .

  Further, in the gaming machine, in a gaming state advantageous to the player, the stop control unit stops the symbol variation performed by the symbol variation unit based only on the signal output by the stop signal output unit. The symbol display means is a winning combination different from the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means (for example, the combination of the symbols related to the bell) determined by the winning combination determining means or the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means. You may make it display either the combination of the symbol which concerns on a combination (For example, the combination of the symbol which concerns on a cherry, or the combination of the symbol which concerns on a watermelon).

  Thereby, in a game state advantageous to the player, a combination of symbols can be displayed based only on the timing of the stop operation regardless of the determined winning combination. Therefore, in a gaming state advantageous to the player, the player can display a desired combination of symbols by devising the stop operation, which increases the fun of the game.

  In addition to the pachislot machines as in the embodiments, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines, pachinko machines, arrange balls, sparrow balls, video slots, video poker, and the like. Furthermore, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the operation in the slot machine is executed in a pseudo manner for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

  It should be noted that the effects described in the examples merely list the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the examples of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of an overview of a gaming machine 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the symbol arranged on reel 3L, 3C, 3R. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electric circuit of the gaming machine 1. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a sub control circuit 72 of the gaming machine 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between the display combination of a game machine 1, the combination of a symbol, and the number of payout. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a random value storage area of a RAM 33 of the gaming machine 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the probability lottery table of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the reset interruption process by the main CPU performed by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the periodic interruption process for every 1.1 msec performed by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the example of the flowchart of the random value extraction process performed in the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the probability lottery process performed in the main control circuit. 5 is an example of a flowchart showing a reset interrupt process performed by a sub control circuit 72. 7 is an example of a flowchart showing command input processing performed in a sub control circuit 72. 6 is an example of a flowchart showing a command corresponding execution process performed by a sub control circuit 72; It is an example of the flowchart which shows the game start process performed with the sub control circuit 72. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5 of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5 of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5 of the gaming machine 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 3L, 3C, 3R reel 5 liquid crystal display 6S start switch 7LS, 7CS, 7RS stop switch 30 microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 81 Image control microcomputer 83 Program ROM
84 Work RAM

Claims (4)

A symbol display means for displaying a plurality of symbols;
Start signal output means for outputting a signal for instructing start of a unit game based on detection of the start operation;
Random number extraction means for extracting a random value based on detection of the signal output by the start signal output means;
Random number storage means for storing the random value extracted by the random value extraction means until at least the next unit game;
A winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination based on a random number value stored by the random value storage means and a table defining a random value range in which a winning combination is determined;
A symbol change means for changing the symbol displayed by the symbol display means based on detection of the signal output by the start signal output means;
Stop signal output means for outputting a signal for commanding stop of the change of the symbol performed by the symbol changing means based on detection of the stop operation;
Stop control means for stopping and controlling the variation of the symbol performed by the symbol varying means based on the detection of the signal output by the stop signal output means and the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means;
At least effect information determining means for determining effect information based on the random number value stored by the random value storage means;
A game machine comprising: production information output means for outputting production information determined by the production information determination means. Determination means for determining whether or not the random value stored in the random value storage means belongs to a specific random value range;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect information determining means determines the specific effect information when the determining means determines that it belongs to the specific random value range. When the symbol display means displays a specific symbol combination, it further comprises advantageous state operating means for operating a gaming state advantageous to the player,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the specific random value range is a random value range in which a winning combination related to the specific symbol combination is determined in the table. The random value storage means has a plurality of areas for storing the random value extracted by the random value extraction means, sequentially stores the random value extracted by the random value extraction means in the plurality of areas,
The winning combination determining means reads random values sequentially stored in the plurality of areas by the random value storage means, and determines a winning combination based on the read random values and the table. Item 4. The gaming machine according to any one of Items 1 to 3.

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